Super Bowl Super Foods

This Sunday will be a paean to football and all kinds of snack foods.Unfortunately Americans turn to outside sources as opposed to making their own quick bites.That shouldn't be.You can create a tasty snack filled homemade platter for SuperBowl Sunday. Sam Sifton, one of the New York Times' great food writers , asked this question in yesterday's New York Times Dining section.He came up with a tasty and much better solution than a list of take out phone numbers.He has updated three classic Sunday football dishes, fried chicken ,nachos and clam dip.These are the perfect dishes to serve not just for a football themed day but for parties as well.His fried chicken is heavenly.This is a Coke brined chicken where it's marinated in a mix of The soda ,thyme and hot sauce infuse the meat with a sweet and fiery flavor.The crust is a mix of flour ,cayenne pepper along with onion and garlic powder.It's fried quickly in a mix of peanut oil and lard. If that's not enough Mr Sifton gives us an old classic clam dip and a new one ,nachos.Clam dip was almost a requirement for every party thrown during the 1950's.Thanks to the season being one for fresh clams ,you can make a very fresh dip using the freshly caught seafood along with sour cream.Again cayenne pepper and Worcester sauce give the dip zing.Serve with potato chips for a classic treat or fresh veggies for a healthier twist.Nachos ,another game day must, are made with a shredded pork shoulder moistened with lime juice instead of the usua Ground beef.This is layered over tortilla chips along with more lime infused sour cream.Crunchy radishes not only decorate it but give it a nice pop of sharpness. Cilantro is then sprinkled on for more flavor as is another layer of meat ,sour cream and cheese. Game day dishes don't have to be take out fumbles.They can be hot, fresh and inspired.It's a great way to celebrate a modern American tradition.

Halloween Plan B

If you're along the Eastern Coast of the US right now, you're probably having worrying doubts about Halloween. Weekend costume parties right now are being cancelled thanks to this freak ealry season blizzard we're having. Moms are nervously looking towards Monday and wondering what to do with all those cupcakes and treats they've just baked for their little one's school parties.What to do? Have Plan B firmly in place.

Every holiday should have a backup plan just in case the first one gets screwed up. After all anything could happen on any holiday whether it be a bad thunderstorm on July 4th or a monster blizzard on Christmas Day. When the weather is frightful - such as today's rare Nor'Easter , it pays not to panic. After all food can still be eaten. Drinks can still be drunk. As far as those hors d' oeuvres you planned on serving rethink them as a fun dinner for the kids Little ones love the idea of stuffing themselves with pigs in blankets or veggies and dip. If you bought heroes, then cut them up and use them the next day for lunch or dinner. You can also use them on Monday for the lunch box or brown bag.

Another alternative for any postponed party is freezing your feasts. Roasts can be cut up and put into trays. Add some gravy and sides too and voila and instant dinner party. Lasagna along with other casserole dishes are also pretty easy to freeze. Just remember to add extra salt because it weakens in flavored upon being frozen. Also keep toppings separate too. If you had make a baked mac, then hold off on sprinkling the breadcrumbs on top. Reserve those for when you reheat the dish .Cakes and cupcakes can also be frozen and then thawed out.Wrap them in several layers of plastic wrap before placing them in your freezer. Don't freeze pies of any kind! Freezing will create too much moisture that will ruin both the taste and texture when thawing. Leave pies and even tarts to be eaten right away and just get new ones for your rescheduled gathering.

Yes it's scary to have to cancel a party whethe r it be a big Halloween one or just a small birthday get together. The key is don't panic. Fall back on a plan B that will ensure you still have great food and a good time even without guests.

Pack This Not That

This is the month when everyone will be on the road. That means more people will be eating on the road whether in a fast food places or from a cooler. Travelers will be wolfing down everything from chips, soda candy bars along with burgers fries and sodas. This isn't the best way to start a vacation. Eat healthy whether you're in transit or enjoying a day at the beach.

Fruit and veggies are perfect for snacking. They give you energy along with proper nutrition and vitamins. Think about packing grapes and plums for a fun sweet break on the road. Graham crackers and Saltines are also good for crunchy snacking. For savory think of chilled grape tomatoes along with broccoli and cauliflower florets.There are mini dips, small cups of dip that you can have with these last.You can also pack filled pita pockets . Try apple and peanut butter, or tomatoes and cheese. These also make great lunches .There's no grease or salt to weigh you down and make you feel bloated.

If you're thirsty nix the sodas and some juice.Try water and zero calorie energy drinks such as Fyxx Hybrid to keep you going on those long hauls. You;'ll feel energized and won't have the need to pull over to nap. Chilled milk is also good for you and the kids . Keep bottles in a cooler for a snack with fruit or even graham crackers.

This is the season for traveling. With that comes the need to snack during the long drive. Eat as carefully as you drive. You'll start your vacation healthier and happier.

Foodie Fumbles - Super Bowl Party Blunders

Tomorrow is the big day. No, not the Super Bowl itself but the parties attached to it. With every get together there will be fumbles and major accidents. Like your favorite team players you just have to be prepared for anything going wrong.

You have to be on the ball for cooking, especially frying., If your chicken wings do get a tad burnt, spritz some lime or lemon juice on them to mask that charred taste. Try adding some more cayenne pepper to them . You can also drench them in barbecue sauce. Or if they're basically unsavable, then run to your nearest fast food place and just order their wings.

What happens if the outdoor grill doesn't light and you can't dole out those burgers and dogs? Grill or fry them inside. If there's not enough room, use the microwave for the hot dogs. Okay, so they 'll have that bland taste but have guests pour on enough relish, chili, sauerkraut and/or mustard to hide that. If you run out of meat , then go out and get some cold cuts for quick sandwiches.

Avocados got too rotten for the dip? Then take the remaining onions and tomatoes, put into the food processor along with hot sauce and serve salsa instead. Sour cream gone sour for your onion dip? Use plain yogurt instead and get the same results. Spinach dip gone too thick and over cooked?A half cup of milk should fix that.

Don't worry if your party has a few fumbles during tomorrow's big game. That's to be expected. Just be prepared and quick on your feet to remedy any problems. Do what the pros do. Recover quickly and get on with it.