Your Favorite Superbowl Snack

Sunday  is the biggest party day  since New Year's Eve.Its the Super Bowl (along with the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games). There will be all sorts of amazing foods  from crunchies to chili being served on Sunday night.

The question is what is your favorite? Are you excited about the fiery wings? The sliders full of fried onions and cheddar? Or is the sweeter side? The goal post brownies? Cupcakes in team colors? Mine has to be Acme's football cake. This is a vanilla one baked in that classic football oblong and of course decorated with chocolate icing. For some reason this signifies the game to me more than anything.

Let us know what  appetizers and treats you'll be cheering for when the Seahawks play the New England Patriots.

Outdoor Movie Night

Summer movies are a big thing.They could be scary  , romantic or exciting .Unfortunately the era of the drive in is well over with  and with it goes all those fun foods , from ice cream sodas or hamburgers. yet movies can still be projected in our backyards  .with it we can still  have fun foods to enjoy our favorite stars under the stars.

Yes popcorn is a must for any movie indoors and out. The buttered sort is always good except it does become greasy when it's cold.a better idea is popping the kernels in a light olive oil and then seasoning with rosemary and sea salt.it still has a lush flavor but there's no worry of slippery and slimy corn. if you di want a flavored corn then think about cheddar cheese powder to sprinkle on.caramel corn is another fun movie night treat. You can make the caramel by hand, using butter, brown sugar , cream of tartar and baking soda. Light corn syrup is added to give the caramel that silky texture. an easier route is melting Kraft caramels with two to three tablespoons of butter and water. The popcorn is then mixed in to this until every puff is completely coated.Nachos are another much loved movie snack. You can just serve them with hot queso poured on or create a platter of loaded nachos. These are loaded  with ground beef or turkey  and topped with not just queso but also salsa, sour cream and guacamole. sliced olives and jalapenos top it off. It;s usually cut in squares and put on plates.

Of course you could have more sophisticated fare. Charcuterie is an easy and fun way to serve people. There also is a wide variety for guests to choose from. Salami works well along with prosciutto on hot nights. Any other meats may go bad. Don;think of serving a sea-cuterie, full of seafood that could go bad quick. stick to the cold cuts a long with different cheeses like Brie, GOuda and Cheddar along with different crackers. Have rows of wheat Thins and Ritz crackers as well as saltines. Also olive go well here as do Italian and French bread loaves. The last make for easy sandwiches with the cold cuts and cheeses. Have cruets of olive oil and vinegar out too. Grilled food is always welcome. Think hamburgers and hot dogs under the stars. set up a fixings bars for both. Have it loaded with squeezy bottles of ketchup and mustard along with small bowls of pickles and relish. A few squeezy bottles of different barbecue and hot sauces can add some zing. Barbecued chicken wings are also a fun movie night munch, have them plain or with a lemon garlic marinade.Iced cold drinks are needed to wash all of this down. Lemonade and different sodas are a good choice. Mocktails are a fun addition too.

It's outdoor movie season. every film deserves fun snacks. It's the best way to enjoy your favorites in a hot summer night.

A Big Food Weekend

This is a weekend for good food between the Lunar New Year and the Superbowl. It's a buffet of delicious food and celebrations. Celebrate one or the other or both,

Even if you'e not Asian you can still appreciate the holiday and it's food. Most Asian countries celebrate this Spring festival, whether it's Tet in Vietnam or Seollal in Korea. Fried Spring rolls are popular with any group and you cna easily order them or buy them. There's something about their crunchy , flaky wrapper filled with a tasty mix fo cabbage and carrots. If you;re craving Korean then think bukgoki or galbi .The first is thinly sliced steak marinated in a twelve (!) spice sauce that includes soy sauce , gochujang, brownssugar and fresh ginger to name a few. Galbi are beef short ribs marinated in a Korean plum sauce. You could alo celebrate wth tteokguk a rice cake soup, The rice cakes symbolize coins  and prosperity for the new year as they cook in a warm beef broth. Another way to celibrate The Year Of The Dragon is by having either steamed or fried dumplings. You can order out (along with getting some kind of sticky rice dice ) or buy them at your local grocery store.

Of coutse egg rolls would go well on either day. Many SuperBowl partieswilkl fearuew some variation of this Chinese classic. You can have them stuffed with shrimp or the American version of Philly cheese steak. There are even hamburger and cheeseburger filled ones for a different game day nosh. Of course sliders are also good while watching the big game. These can have  the classic mini patty made of beef or you can try grilled chicken. Vegan or vegetarian guests can have homemade Beyond Beef ones. Again you cna make these from scratch or just buy White Castle sliders. Another must hav eis a crockpot full of chili. This is great to make. It's a self serve dish that everyone can enjoy. Put out a tray of cornbread and corn chips to put into the bowls. Chicken wings are another classic Super Bowl Dish. Again you can order a variety from Wing Zone or make your own. . A mix of fiery hot and mild is always a good choice. Guests can pick out their favorites  and what works for them. 

If there was ever a weekend for food and partying this is the weekend. Celebrate the Lunar New Year and theh Superbowl with a variety of good food. Enjoy everything from Spring rolls to  chicken wings!

Hot Or Cold Table?

 The Big  Super Bowl Game is tis Sunday and there are choices to be made. Do you have a hot table? A cold one? Or a little of both? What can be served to satisfy guests?

A hot table can be a buffet or a bg crock pot of something. The first question you should ask is what do your guests want  along with how much should you make. A buffet can range from three or four dishes Or a whopping ten.Popular hot dishes are anything with chicken , from nuggets to drumsticks and wings.This is broken down into flavors too. Not everyone likes super spicy Buffalo wings. Other flavors such as lemon pepper and honey barbecue should also be served. You could also serve chicken patties that can be turned into sliders. Chili is another Super Bowl favorite. Again make a mild and a fiery one  for those who love and don't love fire.Fire up the grill if you want too. Nothing beats a party full of hot dogs burgers and ribs. Set up a toppings bar  too.People can add everything and anything from pizza sauce to relish along with guacamole and sliced tomatoes.. Another fun dish are personal pizzas. Again guests and family can go wild with freating their favorites, from meat lovers to veggies and hot peppers.

What about a cold dish buffet? The most obvious answer is a charcuterie board. A classic ones includes an array of cold cuts like salame, ham , prosciutto and mortadella.Add dried figs, and breena nd black olives too. There should be a good choice fo cheeses from the deliciosuly runny Brie to a firm, buttery Edam. Have a sliced baguette along with a good variety of crackers, from Ritz to water to act as a base to all these foods. If you want to splurge have a sea-cuterie. This is a melange of chilled shrimp, crab legs, oysters and scallops .Make sure there are plenty of lemon wedges , tartar and shrimp cocktail sauces.Not into that fancy stuff? Then make hero sandwiches. You can use any kind of bread, from baguettes to those long Portuguese rolls. Add such tasty cold cuts as roast beef, sliced turkey and ham, along with such Italian sub classics as capicola and salami. Again these sandwiches demand cheese . have slices that match the meats. roas tbeef and turkey can go with a sharp cheddar or mild American. Ham works well with Provolone as do the Italian cold cuts. What goes with these? Large bowls of potato chips , Funyuns and all sorts of Doritos.

What 's the best choice? Your choice. Hot or cold , the food at any Super Bowl Party is bound to be fun and tasty.

Are You Game Ready?

 Tomorrow is the Super Bowl, The teams are gearing up for the kick off. Rihanna is practicing her half time gig. Now the question - are you ready for your big party tomorrow?

It always pays to do an inventory before any party begins. Do you have enough paper plates and napkins? Is there enough cutlery for the guests? If not then hit your local grocery store, Wal-mart or Target for these. Remember that extra pack of napkins or forks can always come in handy for future parties and cook outs.Another must have are Wet Wipes. Do you have enough for those wing and rib lovers? If you run out of these just wet and fold  paper towesl.This also helps cleaning hands and mouths( or if fingers are really messy and sticky  a quick trip to the bath or kithen to use hand soap will do). What about if you';re grilling ? Do you have enough tin foil or do you have to run out for an extra roll of  foil. Also keep a roll of Saran wrap on the ready in case guests want to take home leftovers.Tonight would be the night to get the kitchen ready too. Get out the air fryer or griddle along with spending the night to create marinades and rubs.Tonight is also a good time to thaw out those wings and ribs and put them from the freezer to the fridge.

The big question is do you have the right amount of food? Are there enough wings? The average person will eay anywhere from six to ten of them. A fan may wind up eating as much as twenty  or twenty-five. It's recommended that you have around a whopping two hundred  (!!!!!)wings for a party of twenty. If you do run out and your local grocery has run out of them, then think drumsticks. These can be just as tasty , especially if they're air fried. If you're serving ribs, then remember it's usually six per person. That's 120 ribs for  party of twenty. if you're barbecuing , remember to have enough charcoal or even wood to create a good steady flam.. What about the sides?Have the salads been made ?If not, do you need such basics as potatoes for potato salad and macaroni for macaroni salad? These are easy pick ups and can be bought even an hour before the do happens. Keep in mind that you can always run out or order in of there's not enough for your gang. Also make sure there's enough beer and ice along with soda and water for the ride home.

A good party depends on the host's preparedness. Make sure you're all set for tomorrow's big game. Be ready for your guests with what they need to enjoy the game.

Fiery Flavors For Nippy Weather

 The weather is getting decidedly colder. It's time to add some heat to our food to warm us to our toes. what better than Aubrey D's mustards and hot sauces. These will definitely give some fire to even the most boring of dishes.

Aubrey d' is a Canadian company , bringing some serious heat to our chilly neighbors to the north. Their brand Rebel is known for their tangy and chili laced potato chips. They push the envelope with these with such flavors as chipotle, habanero and jalapeno. Now they bring that fire to their mustards. I couldn't resist their lure.  There are two new flavors laced with jalapeno, horseradish mustard and honey mustard along with their plain kind. I also tried their Rebel Hot sauce and Chipotle Hot sauce. Those are going to be perfect in my crock pot chili amping it to a four alarm dish, making it super hot.

I tried all three mustards along with the chipotle sauce on my veggie dogs. The honey mustard has a sweetness to it as well as a definite bite. It was interesting on the dogs but I think it would definitely boost the flavor of soft pretzels or pretzel bites for a fun hors d'ouevres. The hot dogs really got spiked when they were dipped in the gritty horseradish flavor which resembles Grey Poupon and the jalapeno. which has a smooth creamy texture. These would be perfect with a bologna sandwich , especially on a kaiser roll. I also plan on using them as a dipping sauce for pigs in blankets and will even baste the dough with both mustards before adding the franks and baking. Chicken wings and nuggets will also be good  dipped in their fiery goodness too.You could also marinate chicken or even pork, shrimp, or beef in them.It's just mixing half a cup of  olive oil with half a cup of mustard. marinate for a few hours and then grill or roast.

If you want to add zing to your sandwiches and meal, then definitely use Aubrey d's Rebel brand sauces and mustards. They know how to zing up any dish and make a meal memorable. Try these fiery gems today!

Riffs On recipes

Some of the best chefs are the most creative ones. They can take a basic recipe or basic ingredients and turn them into something special.Is it magic? Alchemy? No, it's just thinking outside the culinary box.

One of the most versatile mediums to work with is rice. It's good on its' own, but cook it in any kind of stock, add butter or margarine and it's a light meal . Add some veggies such as peas and broccoli some herbs and voila - a great side with chicken.It can also  be part of a main dish , soaking up stews and chiles. Rice also is a tasty filling in stuffed peppers. Try mixing it with ground beef, and tomato paste, two other basics. For zip  add chile powder or ginger that's been grated. Rice can also be deep fried for a real treat of a lunch or dinner. Throw in chicken or beef  along with some water chestnuts and broccoli. Pasta is another simple ingredient that can be made a variety of ways. Everyone knows spaghetti, It's usually served with meatballs and either a marinara , Bolognese or butter sauce. However , it can turn up in a soup. Try it with a beef based vegetable one or have it as the surprise ingredient in a minestrone. Fried ravioli is a new spin on a very traditional dish. They're easy to cook up that way, Use olive oil or even vegetable oil to deep fry them in a fryer or skillet.. Serve with a side of hot marinara sauce.

Basic meats such as chicken and beef can lend themselves to a variety of different and unique dishes. Chicken cutlets can be turned into something exciting such as pulled chcken. Try cooking it with a smoky barbecue sauce and serve on potato buns. Cutlets can also be oven fried, It's first dredging them in melted butter and mustard mix and then coating them with crushed Saltines. Bake at 400 degrees Farenheit for only twenty minutes.Everyone loves legs and wings.Marinate them in a mix of pinapple juice , orange zest and garic along with such spices as ginger and crushed red peppers for a fiery twist onBuffalo style wings.. Every loves any cut of beef. Suppose it's added on top of a pizza for extra oomph? It's a nice way of marrying two classics and making them even better. A steak salad is a nice alternative toa regular one.Use a hearty greens like romaine or spinach along with deep red grape tomatoes. Salt and pepper almonds are a must to add crunch and more flavor.Steak strips can also be subbed in for roast beef in a chef's salad for surprise and flavor. It can also be turned into a club sandwich with lettuce  and,tomato served on toasted pumpernickel or rye bread.


A good chef is a creative one. Think outside the culinary box.It will result in more delicious dishes, using just basic ingredients.

Fried Chicken Done Right

One of the summer standards is fried chicken. There's nothing more mouth watering than crunchy,  and juicy pieces served on their own or with dipping sauces. How to make it? There in lies the big question There are many different ways,all good,all bringing out the best of the bird's flavor.

Sam Sifton wrote about this classic American recipe in his The Guide column in today's New York Times  Food section. It's one of the most debated recipes in our  history. There have been battles about what kind of coating to use and what's the best medium to fry it in. As he points out it starts with the bird itself.Usually a three or four pound chicken is the best for frying. It will yield up  to ten parts, two drumsticks, two wings two thighs and two breasts. This will satisfy four people. Chicken parts such as all wings or drumsticks can also be bought if there's a crowd to be fed. Breasts can also be bought on their on too. The next step is brining and there are many different types, all good. Novice home chefs can try a  basic brine, made up of only kosher salt and water.Chopped garlic, a few herbs and even sugar can be added to it. Many fried chicken aficionados swear by the buttermilk brine.It's a mix of four cups of fresh buttermilk, kosher salt and a good dose of freshly ground pepper. For a more unusual spin there is the pickle brine, a blend of just pickle juice, This is not crazy.It makes the bird super flavorful and juicy, Other brines include that Southern classic cola brine  which gives it a nice caramel color and sweetness along with cider that also produces a sweet, fallish flavor that would be great at any tailgating party.

What makes a great piece of fried chicken? The crust, of course! It  should be a starch or a batter. Some home and professional chefs first dip the pieces in buttermilk, eggs or milk before coating. The easiest breading method is placing the chicken in a large paper bag filled with flour seasoned with salt , pepper, and possibly paprika and /or hot pepper. This can be varied with gluten free flour, cracker crumbs and even potato starch. For a more tempura flavor use the Japanese breadcrumbs called panko.  The more wild and adventurous  will use crumbled Doritos, Cheetos or even potato chips. Close the bag . shake and then shake off the excess flour. A big bowl can also be used for dredging the pieces, Stick with tradition for the frying pan.It has to be a heavy wide skillet with a lid.It should be eleven to twelve inches in diameter and deep to prevent spattering.The second most important ingredient is what the chicken is fried in. Some use lard while others prefer oil. What is needed is an oil with a high smoke point which means it can be heated to a high temp without smoking. The best for this is peanut , canola and vegetable oil. Do not use butter or olive oil. It can be served with dipping sources such as a Korean chili sauce or  a Filipino one made with maple syrup , lemon juice , fish sauce and chilis.

Fried chicken is an American classic recipe that everyone loves. There are so many ways to make it. Any way is good, full of golden , delicious crisp goodness.

Your Super Bowl Checklist

By now most Super Bowl party hosts have their menu raring and ready to go. However there's always that last niggling must have, Before you even marinate a wing or slice a bun stop and ask yourself. What have I missed?Is there anything I need to get or get more of?

One of the most popular items for the Big Game is the avocado. Millions of them are going to be used in making endless gallons of guacamole dip. Unfortunately these  little  alligator or gator pears  can be divas. The ripest ones should always go into making guac. These should be a deep forest green in color and slightly soft to the touch. However some hosts just quickly grab them , not testing for ripeness.That's why you should have a few extra ones in case there are still unripe ones. Cut them to see their firmness.If they're too hard then toss them back in the fridge and add to a mid week salad when they're a bit more mature..The same goes for  the other ingredient tomato. Have  extras on hand just in case there a re some rotten or not ripened ones. Also make sure you have enough for your guests. There's always a chance for a second bowl. The same goes for other dips as well. Get plenty of sour cream and Greek yogurt. Don't worry if you have extra. You can always use them in cooking or even baking. Hot snacks are another care altogether. Everyone loves any hot treat and some fans can wolf down those nibbles faster than a quarterback  running with a pigskin. .Have double boxes of mini pizzas, pigs in blankets, cheese puffs along with mini sliders and baby crab cakes. Also make sure you have plenty of condiments to go with all of them too.

For those barbecue lovers, check your inventory.There should be plenty of briquettes and wood to sustain you to the Jimmy Fallon show after the Super Bowl. Also you should have extra ribs and burgers just in case party crashers  show up or the meats wind up getting super grilled. Run out tonight if you don't have enough ingredients for marinades and rubs. It's twenty four hours before the event. There's still plenty of prep time left. Sides are another thought. Do you have enough cabbage to make cole slaw for thirty? What about those frozen ears of corn or cornbread for chili. Now is the time to do last minute food shopping.While your are your grocery, think about other inventory too. Is there enough soda and water to sustain a crowd? Do you have enough beer or wine? Get extra tableware too. Let's face it some people are fussy and want a new fork with every new plate of food. Stock up now  on those as well as on napkins and paper towels.Buy extra boxes of wet naps if you're serving ribs and wings. You don't want to spend Monday morning cleaning off greasy and sticky  fingerprints from everything in your house.

As with every party or gathering, just be prepared.Having extras around cuts down on hassles and shortages of a favorite food. Think about what you need and get It now. You want to spend Super Bowl Sunday watching the game, not last minute food or drink shopping.

Touchdown For Healthy Eating

Everyone goes wild during the Super Bowl weekend. There's tons of goodies , both savory and sweet to sample and munch on/ Unfortunately most are the wrong choices.The best bet is eating healthy. You'll feel as good as when your team wins.

Veggies are always a wise choice. Luckily every party usually has a crudité platter. Fill up on celery and carrots, because these are the most satisfying. Grape tomatoes are also a wise choice  too and fun to pop into your mouth. Instead of  immersing that stalk or floret in whatever dip offered just do a tiny scoop to get the flavor. Another way of eating healthy veggies is offering to bring the vegetable platter. That way you can also bring the dip and control what goes in it.. If you're hosting  then go for a Greek yogurt based dip. You can add minced onions to create a very healthy onion dip. For fire whip in cut up jalapenos and a few drops of hot sauce. One of the healthiest dips is guacamole. Load it with fresh onion and tomato  with a dash of lime juice. Serve with whole wheat chips or baked potato chips. Pretzels can also be dipped in these sauces too. Football fans love anything cheesy  however this isn't always a heart healthy choice.Try the low fat or even soy kind . Both can be had in several different flavors, from Monterey Jack to mozzarella.You can even make mini grilled cheese sandwiches or English  muffins pizzas with them.

One of the staples of any football party is wings. These are usually over fried , soaking in grease  and a soggy bread coating.Sometimes one wing is a whopping 800 calories thanks to all the battering and frying.. Aim for healthy here. Try oven baked  after a soak in a flavorful marinade. As for the dip, again use Greek yogurt for a better ,low fat and low calorie one. Sliders are another Super Bowl party must have.These are tasty and they do go down fast. Make them healthier by subbing in turkey or soy instead of beef. If you have to have beef sliders, then be judicious with toppings. Stick with veggies like a tomato and pickle slices. Stay away from the mayo and slather on mustard or ketchup. If you're making them then top either turkey or soy bacon and soy cheese .Another choice is grilled veggie sliders filled with eggplant and asparagus  along with sliced beefsteak tomatoes and onions.. Most parties end with a football shaped cake or themed cupcakes. Try a chocolate fondue instead , using dark chocolate for the dip and fun fruit chunks like pineapple  or , apples .Even chunks of low fat angel food cak can be dunked in . Spiced grapes are another nice ending. Roll wet grapes in cinnamon and nutmeg and let set in the fridge for half an hour.

Score a winning touchdown for your heart by eating healthy at this year's Super Bowl party You'll feel better too by sticking with low calories snacks and sweets. It's a win win situation.

High Times For 2015 Hot Pot Cuisine

Some Americans will be adding more greens to their diet in the new year., No it's not about adding kale and Brussels sprouts  as suggested yesterday but marijuana. Yup, there's gonna be some pretty high times at the dinner or dessert table.As it's becoming legal and acceptable , it's also becoming an interesting ingredient at some restaurants and chef's tables,

The New York Times reported on this the other day. According to Food section reporter and chef, Kim Severson, two states, Washington State and Colorado have already legalized  recreational pot and now high end restaurants are following suit. These are not those hash brownies your college roomie made.This is haute high cuisine. Ganga Gourmet in Denver whips up a garlic bread that is not only tasty but will leave you wanting more.There's also a marijuana infused tomato sauce and a cannabis infused wing sauce. Prices aren't cheap. A pizza can cost $86 dollars, while a serving of cooked veggies is 12 dollars, which is about the price of a non pot side in some Manhattan eateries Diners must have medical marijuana cards in some cases.  Even though it's finely ground into a flour , it still can give eaters a mellow buzz and it can also boost appetites as we all well know.

Does marijuana have any nutritional value? Some dietitians do see it as a vegetable..Hemp is 100 per cent protein, and it is high (seriously no pun intended here) in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, similar to what's found in salmon.It is more valuable nutritionwise if it's heated where it releases what its known as cannabinoids. These act as cleaners and removed damaged cells from the body, while the raw state can improve the efficiency of body cells.Ground up raw buds can be added to salads, soups ,stews and even oatmeal. Cannabis butter can be made too  by adding 1/4 ounce buds to 1/2 stick salted butter (and it must be salted since that has a higher smoke point).Melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat. Add the ground buds, a little at a time, to the melted butter.Stir occasionally and simmer for forty five minutes. Shut off when you see bubbles forming and then strain into a glass container. Press a spoon against the buds to release all the cannabutter.It will either be a chocolate brown color  (not unlike fudge) or green (like pesto) in color.Use at your discretion.

As marijuana becomes more and more legalized , there will be an expansion of high cuisine. Marijuana may be the next super food, thanks to its' composition. It just has to be widely accepted  to be truly considered a culinary treasure.

Raising Wings To New Heights

Chicken wings were never meant to be gourmet.Their place was usually at sports bars,served with beer and possibly shrooms.Yet some New York chefs are taking them to new heights.These wings are flying high and flying with interesting spins and inspired flavors. Jeff Gordonier wrote about the new breed of chicken in today's New York Times Dining section.Many chefs realize that chicken wings, especially now during football season, are a lucrative dish.Many are reluctant to put them on their menus because they feel it might cheapen the restaurant's reputation.Yet they are popular, no matter how they are served.People love chicken wings they're fun to dip into sauces, they're fun to eat and eve the sticky mess afterwards is entertaining.Many cooks are giving them an international spin too.Chicken wings are delicious on their own but coat, rub, or slather them with spices and juices and they become heavenly..One eatery,Dinosaur Bar-B-Cue has theirs with hoisin sesame and garlic chipotle along with one called the devil's duel - this one so spicy that the eater's lips and gums go numb because it's so fiery.Some kitchens have embraced the Korean cooking style of double frying.It does make the wings extra crispy but thanks to extra marinating , the meat inside is tender and juicy.Home chefs can try this method but also can grill them too.Just marinate them to get them tender and flavored. Wing lovers who want to try combinations should look to these chefs.Mr. Gordonier has included two recipes from Chefs King Phounannong and Hoon Kim.The first has the flavorful Spanish spice combo ,adobo.It also has crushed peppercorns for heat and soy sauce for added flavor.This along with garlic and coconut milk are turned into a marinade where the wings will sit for thirty minutes before cooking..They're then fried in vegetable oil..Hanjan chicken wings are a true Chinese recipe, with a marinade of soy sauce sake and miring along with garlic.These are a bit healthier because they're grilled.there are other combos listed that home chefs can try on their own.Ducks Eatery, another hot Brooklyn hipster hangout offers Vietnamese style with a caramel type coating but made savory with peppers.Wings can go Mexican as they did in Chef Danny Bowen's Mexican Cantina.This is a mole version, dusted with coffee and cocoa.They're then spattered with creme, cotija and anson mills benne seeds.Home chefs can try this with a tad of dried ancho peppers. Wings are enjoyable no matter how you make them.Try them fried or grilled. Spiced or sauces.Experiment with them to create the perfect munch.They're meant to be elevated to gourmet heights. raise those wings high.

SuperBowl Battle Wings Vs Ribs

 There's a big battle that will be brewing this Super Bowl Sunday. No, it won't be Giants beating up Patriots fans or vice  versa. It's wing lovers against rib affectionados. These two football game staples always cause controversy over which is better and which is THE dish to serve.

Both wings and ribs are tasty. They're greasy (if cooked wrong), salty, spicy and  flavorful. Yet which one is better? Calories wise wings are a tad less  healthier for you. One wing is only 94 calories however most people will devour at least twenty or thirty which means close to two thousand calories. A rack of baby ribs are 250 calories however most big eaters will crunch through three or four racks by the time the fourth quarter comes. However the chicken does come with the healthy benefit of celery sticks (albeit they're dripping with ranch dressing).

What about flavor? Chicken wings can be made with a host of different sauces and marinades. The Wing Zone,a fast food joint specializing in them offers at least twelve different coatings , ranging from the  very mild to the very hot.Ribs also can have a plethora of flavors  and also can be either dry rubbed or marinaded.Unlike wings which only comes in chicken (although I'm sure there are turkey ones waiting to be discovered), they can be from  beef or pork cuts . There is the fat factor as well and there is more mess with ribs  than with chicken wings.

What will you have on Super Bowl Sunday. Wings or ribs?Or will you be diplomatic and enjoy both?

The New Wave Of Sports Bars

Sports bars bring to mind smoky atmospheres with loud TVs and louder fans. The food isn't particularly great, just filling and at times super spicy. However all that's changing. Gourmet and haute cuisine are coming to these now up scale hangouts. It's not only fun to go out and cheer your favorite team it's becoming chic.

This was explored in today's New York Time's Dining section, with a great article written by Glenn Collins. He visited several more upscale bars and tasted their fare. It turns out that it wasn't just your average plate of soggy nachos and oily wings. There was butternut squash bisque and roasted Brussels sprouts, two dishes normally not associated with this type of restaurant. There is also a meatloaf that has minced shrimp in it to give it more oomph. Some even offer brunches worthy of Village bistros

There are the traditional nachos and wings. After all that;'s what sports fan cry for. Yet these are a bit better, with more thought put into them. The nachos, are crisper and cheesier, made more like a layer gratin than just a pile of corn chips with cheese gooped on them. The chicken wings have ginger honey and Old Bay seasonings. Even the burgers and tacos are a veer off from the eh ordinary with the burgers being infused with anchovy and paprika and the tacos having tuna frown in from Hawaii.

Sports bars are not the hangouts they once were. You can now get gourmet food while watching your favorite team win or lose. It's not just about the game anymore.It's about the food.