This was NOT the original blog I had intended for today, but then I thought, “LeAnne, if you don’t write about S-bowl party food people will think you are not a true Foodie.” Those of you who KNOW me, and know me well, are probably thinking, “WTF? LeAnne despises football.” Alas, it is true. I have never understood why people enjoy f-ball so much. Like everyone else, I cheered for the High School team (Go Bluehawks!), but I knew all the players and it was a more personal thing, about school pride, even though I don’t like the game. Now, BASEBALL? That’s a whole different story and I will wax poetic on that at a more spring like date. (Moment of Truth – I will watch and enjoy ANY sport LIVE, in person. I will watch basketball, hockey, football, even curling.)
I am not sure why this PARTICULAR game day is such a big deal. The teams only have to play something in the neighborhood of 15 games to get to S-bowl, but people talk about it virtually all year long. I don’t understand the mania surrounding the food either. I know people who have special “Superbowl ONLY” recipes. And don’t even get me started on Texas! They take their f-ball and BBQ VERY seriously! Most of the S-bowl parties I have been to involve really fatty food, nothing healthy, except the obligatory veggie tray with Ranch dressing. There is usually nothing original and dessert is almost an afterthought. The day is akin to T-giving where you eat virtually non-stop all day! You would think I would love that, but you’d be wrong! Yes, I love to eat and I have the hips to prove it, but I want the food to be fantastic. Here is an example: I love chicken wings, pretty much anyway you make them, but if you are making them for a PARTY, shouldn’t they be something a little different than the norm? Yet nearly everyone does Buffalo style. Scroll to the bottom for my spin on party wings. I adapted it from a recipe from Bon Appetit.
Several people posted pics of STADIUMS made of food. I am not sure if they were hoping I’d make one or not. Someday maybe I will do a replica of Yankee Stadium in cheese. Perhaps when household fave Derek Jeter is inducted into the Hall of Fame. Here is the Food Stadium that blew me away:
Sister Nancy and her friends in Florida get a little whacked out every year for the BIG game day festivities. They always do a themed meal inspired by the teams that are playing. Here is her FB post from yesterday:
Super Bowl Sunday in full effect! Now onto a power nap and preparations for the game! The menu is New England Clam Chowda, Manhattan Clam Chowder, NY strip steak, clam bake, baked beans, NY style potato salad, NY cheesecake and Boston cream pie. It’s gonna be fun!!!
She also says:
We do it no matter the teams — food from each city. When Pittsburgh played, we even made famous Primanti Bros. sandwiches! Indiana was hard. It’s always about the food!
Now that’s a menu I could get behind!
John and I were invited to 5 parties and because neither of us cares about the game we decided to avoid households where the GAME is the focus (apologies to my Pats Fan and dear Friend Kellylynn) because we’d talk thru the game and watch only the commercials and half time show and that would be disrespectful to the host. We instead opted to go where the FOOD was the focus, hoping that socializing would be more important than the game. FYI – I did TiVo the telecast so I could fast forward thru the game and watch the commercials and half time show in peace and quiet at home. Loved the Matthew Broderick Honda commercial.
I am not sure why, but I always forget to take pics of my food! I photograph the people and I am half way done with my meal before I realize I never took a pic!
I include this photo not because I am a Pats fan, but it involves my OTHER love – shoes! Created by Tina for Laura in Florida, blinged out Team shoes! I may have to call her to do some Yankee ones for me!
The Ovens at Due Forni – the only ones of their kind in the US.
With Dominic Scali (The Vegas Foodie), Al Mancini and his lovely wife Sue at Due Forni
Birthday fun at Tommy Rockers with Laurie and pals!
And for the record, I am a NY fan ALWAYS – first and foremost – no matter the sport.
This week’s Food Memories include buying fresh fish that had worms in it (yes, really), birthday fun with Friend Laurie M, and Superbowl food at Due Forni and Friend Sam’s house (good shredded chicken sliders!).
Until next week, go out and make your OWN Food Memories!
Thai Red Curry Wings
Serves 6 as an appetizer
3 -3½ lbs chicken wing segments (or just drumettes if you like) – washed and patted dry. If you want a little more flavor and juicier wings you can brine them over night.
2 Tbsp oil – canola, grape seed, vegetable
Zest and juice of 1 large lime
3 Tbsp softened butter
3 Tbsp Thai red curry paste or Panang curry paste (see note)
1 T dark honey or agave syrup (the honey is thicker and will make a stickier sauce)
Sliced tops of green onions for garnish
Preheat oven to 425.
Toss chicken with oil and spread on a large sheet pan. Bake until the skin is golden and crispy, about 30-45 minutes. (If you like your wings a bit softer, cook for less time.)
Meanwhile, zest and juice the lime into a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well to create a paste.
Once the wings are done baking place them in the bowl with the seasoning paste and stir to coat. (I use a large plastic bowl with a lid so I can just shake the wings to coat them.)
Dump onto a warmed platter, sprinkle with the green onion and serve immediately.
Note – Curry paste can be found in most Asian markets and there are several varieties. All of them make great tasting wings – experiment with them.
If you like your wings hotter, you can add additional curry paste, less butter and even a dash of Asian style hot sauce.
