Super Sunday... and Fan Approved Party Inspirations

story by Doug Smith

Super Sunday is February 12th. My team didn’t make this year’s cut but I’m celebrating the game of football and even looking forward to watching the commercials. For those of you that don’t love sports, you can still find inspiration to plan a party for the big game. Throwing a party can be just as much fun for the host (Coach) as it is for your guests (Team).

Keeping it simple and fun is the secret recipe for a legendary super party. As the coach, don’t be afraid to ask for a team effort. It’s a good idea to draw up a simple playbook focusing on the three elements of the game; appetizers and beverages (special teams), the main entree (offense line), and a dessert (defensive line). As coach and leader of the offense, I’m calling the plays on the main entree. This year we’re going all the way on the first snap with Super Chili made with beef and beans.

I have a lot of confidence that each of my teammates are hungry for a little competition so I’m asking my team to bring their favorite tailgate dish. The rules of the game are simple. It must be a real fan-pleaser. For this play to work well you should include two or three options that highlight color and texture such as chips and salsa (with a bit of a kick), cheese dip, spinach dip, or even a meaty dip.

Another well-designed play is a tray of assorted sticky chicken wings prepared with a range of flavors from extra spicy to sweet and mild and have a few dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese on the side. Wings are the perfect finger food, but be sure to have plenty of penalty flags (some would call napkins) ready. That will be a five-yard penalty for finger-licking good eats!

In the game of football, it takes all three elements working together for 60 minutes to win. More often than not the game comes down to that last play. It’s like the dessert everyone was waiting for. Win or lose. The clock will expire and the whistle will blow for the final time and the game will be in the record books.

Doug's Super Chili

Ingredients

2 Pounds Ground Beef

1 Chopped Onion

2 Cloves Garlic, Chopped

1 8-Ounce Can Tomato Sauce

2 Tablespoons Chili Powder

1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

1 Teaspoon Ground Oregano

1 Teaspoon Salt

1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

1 15-Ounce Can Kidney Beans, Drained and Rinsed

1 15-Ounce Can Pinto Beans, Drained and Rinsed

Shredded Cheddar for Serving

Method

Place the chopped onion and garlic in a large pot. Cook over medium heat until translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until brown. Drain off the excess fat and then pour in the beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and cayenne. Stir together well, cover, and then reduce the heat. Simmer on low heat for one hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add water as needed.

After an hour of simmering, taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve with shredded cheddar.