Michael DeAngelis

Five “Super” Bowls for a Winning Super Bowl Party

With the Super Bowl coming up, it’s time for a party in New England, and chances are you’ll either be hosting or attending one this Sunday. For some, creating a menu for a party can feel like a daunting task, but there are some easy ways to offer great food to your guests while taking part in the fun with no stress.  I find that one-bowl dishes are often crowd pleasers and can be simple to make, serve, and clean up.  Here are five (soon to be six 😉) super bowls that will really punch up your Super Bowl party!

 

Peppy Pimento Cheese Dip  

Every Super Bowl party needs a good dip and lots of things TO BE dipped. Sub low-fat cheese in this pimento cheese dip for the perfect, savory complement to crudité and whole gain crackers that will keep your team crunching throughout the game.

Classic Chili with Champion Toppings

Chili is a classic cold weather favorite and can be a fun addition to your spread.  Whether you make your own, follow a recipe on the back of the chili spice packet, or pick up a ready-made or canned chili, the fun part is what you put on top! Let your party-goers elevate their individual chili bowls from mundane to super with champion-class toppings like shredded low-fat cheese (we recommend cheddar), green onions, low-fat sour cream, and more.

Power Snack mix

A big bowl of handy snacks will go a long way with a hungry crowd. Mix a few of your favorites: crunchy rice square cereal, pretzels, popcorn, and nuts.  To take it up a notch, add dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet and tart addition.

Photo credit: www.personalcreations.com

Fast and Easy Barbecue Meatballs

Party goers like fast popping snacks that satisfy. You don’t have to slave over a hot stove to make a great tasting party favorite like barbecue meatballs. Keep it simple. Toss a bag of frozen meatballs (or turkey meatballs for a leaner option) into a pot or slow cooker with two bottles of your favorite barbecue sauce. Simmer on low or set your slow cooker to medium and let everything cook low and slow until piping hot and cooked through. Place the meatballs into a serving bowl with toothpicks at the ready (blue and red would be ideal). Game on!

Photo credit: www.berries.com

Patriot Berry Trifle

What’s a party without dessert?  A throwback to the 70s and early 80s, trifles have made a comeback.  This layered, spoonable delight is super versatile and can be made many ways.

For this Patriot Berry Trifle, you will need Angel food cake, strawberries and blueberries and whipped cream (see the simple recipe below). Your guests can scoop a serving of deliciousness into individual bowls to enjoy as the game is wrapping up.

Photo credit: Valerie C., www.keyingredient.com

Ingredients:

1 store-bought Angel food cake, cubed
1 pound strawberries, washed, stemmed, and sliced
2 pints blueberries, washed

For whipped cream:

2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

Using a large glass bowl or a trifle bowl if you have one, start with a layer of cubed up Angel food cake.  Add a layer of whipped cream and top with a layer of berries.  Repeat with alternating layers until you reach the top of the bowl, but leave room for one final layer of whipped cream and berries. Add a tangy twist by using Greek yogurt whipped cream!

 

Unleash your creativity this year as you plan your Super Bowl party. Try one of these bowl ideas to bring something new to the table and make lasting memories as you cheer on your favorite players!

 

Michael DeAngelis

Michael DeAngelis is the Vice President of Integrated Communications and a registered dietitian for New England Dairy Promotion Board. Michael brings more than 20 years of communications and public relations experience to guide and direct our consumer communications and marketing initiatives. He is focused on building trust in New England dairy, connecting the public to farmers, and encouraging people to drink and eat local, nutritious, and delicious dairy products. Sound like someone you want to get to know? Contact Michael at MDeangelis@newenglanddairy.com