Super Bowl XLVII: Football, Fun, Food and Yes, Meat! Part 4

Well folks we are here, it is Super Bowl Sunday and we are almost there when it comes to throwing the best Super Bowl Party, by kickoff which will be 6:30 EST.  We want, Meat!

Meat:  It's What's for Dinner

My hubby has a saying "Meat is for the man, bone is for the dog.".  Yes meat is for the man and us wo-men but it will also be served to my best friends Bugg & Sweet Tee, why should they be left out of it all.  If you are going to throw some meat on the grill for your dog, please do not add any seasoning, they can be harmful to your pets, especially black pepper, onion salt (onions, period), garlic powder (garlic of any kind).  

My husband will not be disappointed with today's Super Bowl menu, I promise you.  He is a meat lover and he will not be denied and as the hostess of this party, I will make sure each and every person is happy.  Plus also, operation duct tape worked beautifully.  One for the record books.

Meat!

I mean really, what is more American than a big, hot & juicy slab of meat, it be in a bun, or just set on your dinner plate, us Americans will devour many of meat recipes come this Super Bowl Sunday.

Rightly so!

I am about to share with you one of my favorite recipes, it calls for overnight marinating but, if you start this process in the next hour, you will be able to share this wonderful recipe with the ones you love.

I will be sharing a recipe for sliders in time for kick-off but, we are a small production company here and the cook (also me) is a bit busy right now.  She (me) promises you she (me) will have the recipe out in plenty of time, so as you and your guest will still be able to gobble up these small hamburgers in time for your Super Bowl festivities.

You will need hamburger (the amount depends on how many you will be making), about 1 pound for each 10 sliders, give or take.  Dinner rolls, buy in most all supermarkets in the USA, onions, salt & pepper and all the condiments you think you and your guest might like.

My Choices: Tomatoes (grape tomatoes), saute'd mushrooms & onions, both sweet & dill pickles, cheese, lettuce, ketchup, mustard & mayonnaise. 

Grilling Time Folks...

I usually don't just start off with a man rule but in this case, I really feel it is a 'must'.  Once the meat is well, can I say, a tad bit over done, why even bother...

Well until that 8th beers had been drunk, then even the warm potato salad might look appealing, save your guest this potential bout of food poisoning.

Man Rule:  Only one beer before you tend to your grilling duties, more after folks, chill.  Burnt meat makes for a bad meal and also, for a very upset host/hostess.

Grilled Chicken, Done Mama's Way...

You will need & it can be doubled or tripled.

5 pounds Chicken breast (boneless & skinless)
1 10 ounce bottle of teriyaki sauce
8 loves garlic
4 bell peppers (red, orange & yellow)
4 portabella mushrooms (large ones)
3 onions
1 cup chicken broth
oil*
Salt & Pepper to taste

1 throw away tin roasting pan

Always use fresh cracked black pepper, it adds a lot more flavor.

Cut off the top part of a few heads of garlic (the rest can be saved in the refrigerator for further use, cover with olive oil and then plastic wrap) place them in some tin foil, drizzle with olive oil, set aside.

I char my peppers under the broiler, on high and as they char I turn them.  They had a special on organic baby peppers so I opted for them, the same process but I find if you just gut these in half, place on the sheet,  there is no need in turning them.   Any pepper works great with this process.

Once your peppers are charred, place into a bowl and cover wit a plate/lid.  In the meantime place your heads of garlic in a 400 degree oven and allow them to roast, check after 15 minutes.  Check the garlic cloves like you check potatoes when baking, run a knife though the clove, if it is soft all the way through, take out and set aside.

Peel & Saute

 I find the best way to make a recipe turn out (especially those you come up with yourself) good and also in an easier fashion altogether is to be prepared and also, being able to chew gum and walk at the same time.

While my garlic is roasting and my peppers are steaming their skins off, I dice up my onions, medium dice.

Place your diced onion in a hot  (medium high heat), add some canola oil and your diced onions.  Saute moving around as if you are making a stir fry) until the onions have 'started' to soften and have turn brown around the edges.

Place all your 'cooled' vegetables in a plastic freezer bag, add your teriyaki sauce, marinade for at least 6 hours.  Turn the bag every 2 hours, so all that goodness reaches ever inch of those chicken breast.

After 6 hours place your chicken on a plate, pour some canola oil over your chicken breast.

Transfer the marinade into a sauce pan (including the vegetables), add your chicken broth, bring to a boil and simmer 5 minutes.

To the Grill We Go...

I know your husband was such a great man that he has already started the coals and made sure he only put the coals one side, as you want to place your tin pan on the side where there is no coals, this is called indirect cooking method.

Take your tin pan, chicken, mushrooms and cooked marinade out to your grill.  Do not forget a basting brush, tongs, spatula, spray bottle of water for those flare ups and the one beer for the cook or beverage of choice.

Place your pan on the side of your grill that does not have direct heat and then place your chicken on the side of the coals, get a good sear on your chicken beast, transfer them to your tin pan and add your marinade to your tin pan.

Brush your mushrooms with some canola oil and place them over the coals & close the lid, turn as needed until they get to your desired softness.

When your mushrooms have reached 'your' desired consistency then place them in with your chicken and that delicious marinade.  Close the lid, allow to cook together for about 3 minutes.

One More Step...

When I bring this mouth watering dish into the kitchen, I make sure to take this one last step, I cut up the portabella mushrooms for my guest, why make them work so hard on Super Bowl Sunday, it's party time!

After you have sliced your mushrooms, place them back in the chicken and that flavor packed marinade.

You can make a simple pot of rice or, it would be fine sitting right next to any side dish you plan to serve.

Make sure to salt and pepper the chicken breast and mushrooms before cooking them.  The lack of this seasoning will make for a bland dish.  Remember to taste, as the teriyaki sauce has salt in it.

MMMM MMMM MMM

Come on, you know you want to dive right, so will your guest.  We will also throw some hot dogs on for the kids and yes, us big kids also.

Remember Folks:  This is the Super Bowl and 'we want meat', yes we do!

Yes folks, we do have vegetarian folks and quite frankly, I am a huge vegetable fan, so do not let them feel left out, throw in a vegetarian dish that contains more than some pita chip and store bought hummus. 

I promise you, your meat eaters will be placing it on their plate as well.

As the host/hostess, it is your job to make sure that you spread the love on this day.  They will be talking about your Super Bowl until the next year.

You will have plenty of other vegetarian dish to go along with this delicious recipe, as simple as chips and salsa will do the trick.

You Are Doing Fine...

I know you feel as if you are trying to complete this balancing act of cooking, cleaning and making extra stops to the grocery store and you are about to lose your mind, you have time folks.  Calm down and remember the biggest factor of throwing a great Super Bowl Party is to, 'delegate'!

Super Bowl: Part 1

Super Bowl: Part 2

Super Bowl: Part 3

Super Bowl:  Part 4

For that mouth watering eggplant casserole...

Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan

Folks please excuse my mistakes during this series, I am writing them at real time, basically.  I am using 'some' older photographs, I think I am entitled to at least that.  So please be patient and understanding.

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Super Bowl XLVII: Football, Fun, Food & EFF-IT BALLS Part 3

During Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, 2013, when the Baltimore Ravens play the San Francisco 49ers.  There will be more than just one kind of bomb being thrown that day.  The F bomb will be shouted more than once, so why not combat (well some what) that problem by making EFF-IT Balls.  Easier to explain to the kids.

What the...

EFF-IT BALLS...

This project will cost you very little money but save you in how many sorry's you will be sharing with the young'in at your Super Bowl Party.  When ever your team losing, just throw the ball down and yell EFF-IT.

When the children (or some ladies) act shocked just explain to them that you said effort, that your team made such a wonderful effort on that last play and even though they messed up, you thought they deserved an atta boy.  Works for most.

2 9X12 felt sheet for each EFF-IT ball you plan on making.

The embroidery floss will be enough to make two EFF-IT balls.

Then just a old sheet, shirt or any kind of cloth you have been meaning to toss out.

Of course you will need a sewing needle, poster board, tape, scissors, chop sticks and two helpers always works for the best.



First Step...

Make a template of a football on some poster board, you will need a 'very' sturdy paper.  Tape the template to one of your felt sheets and cut around the template.  Do not get over anxious and try to cut two at a time, they will not be even.

Step 2...

Take your embroidery floss and make the laces for the front of your EFF-IT balls.  I find if you sew the EFF-IT balls in this order and making a knot at after each step helps from making the felt to bunch up.  Once again, calm down and just relax into it all.

Step 3...

Sew both your football sides together with your embroidery floss.  Make sure not to pull tight on the embroidery floss, as it will make the felt bunch up.  I am sure you don't mind that I use last years photograph for some of my directions, time is ticking by and soon it will be Super Bowl Sunday, it is a sacrifice I must take.

Also make sure to leave a few inches left open so you are able to stuff your EFF-IT balls.

Step 4...

This is where your chop sticks will come in handy, as they will help you fill in the corners with your cloth, so you don't have any gaps.  Stuff to the desire you choose but make sure you are able to close it up.  When you are done stuffing your EFF-IT balls then finish sewing up your EFF-IT balls.

I understand that I have been using the photographs I used when I published my articles for last years Super Bowl articles but, I am making the EFF-IT balls this year...

See...

Okay I guess I should say, 'we' are making the EFF-IT balls.  Yes, the hubby worked today, he had to make a run and yes I had him take our grandson.

After he finishes sewing the EFF-IT balls I am sure he will have no trouble going to sleep, so operation 'duct it' can be pulled off without a hitch.

That would be the prank I shared with in part 2 of this series.  Please take a look, it might give you a few ideas.  My other victim decided to go out to the bar for a few cold ones so my brother Billy will have no trouble sleeping while I decorate his doorway.

I will be sitting in the kitchen and every now and then I will bang a pot with a spoon so the hubby thinks I am working, as he finishes sewing all the EFF-IT balls.  I am so bad, yet so good.

Remember...

As crazy as it seems, not all your guest might like football, I know, I know crazy huh.  We should not forget about them.

 The best way to combat this situation is to get someone to find all those games you bought throughout the years for the kids to play.

Grab some playing cards and get the poker chips out.  This will help keep them entertained while you try to feed all the folks, watch the game and take the dogs out every now and then.

Maybe even buy some small gifts and make a poker tournament.  With winners for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place.

You are the hostess/host and you want all to feel welcome.

My Favorite gift to give...

Yes this is for my son, the one whom dares to defy me and 'always' bet against me (other than 1999) yes, he always gets a package of love from his mama.  A EFF-IT ball for when my San Francisco 49ers, kick his Baltimore Ravens Butt.

See the lovely ribbon I used (last years 90% after holiday valentine special), there was so much love put in here for my guy because, I am sure he will be dropping a few bombs of his own come Super Bowl Sunday.  Also being his mama and being so thoughtful I even included some Alabama tissue to dry his tears.

We are Nearing...

Yes people we are getting close to the scrimmage line of our game called Super Bowl Party 101.  We are so close and remember, do not panic, you still have time.  Kick off is not until 6:30 EST.

We will be doing beverages, snacks and meat in the next 12 hours so hang in there.

Super Bowl XVLII: Part 1

Super Bowl XVLII:  Part 2

Super Bowl XVLII:  Part 4

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)

Super Bowl XLVII: Football, Food, Fun & Yes, Pranks 2

Yes folks, Super Bowl Sunday is approaching us and we will make our loved ones life so much happier with each and every task we complete, ducting is always a great way to be able to spread the love.  Follow me through these steps and you will be off to a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday...

Now is the time to get out that duct tape, markers, crayons from your kids toy box and last but never least, poster board.  This is a very easy project and one you will be reaping the awards of, for years to come, just the look of your victims face, will have you smiling all year long.  Oh such memories!

Make sure you have chosen your target/targets or I mean, the one/ones that you want to share this experience with, I promise you, they will be so ever touched that you have taken the time out to give to them.  Okay, maybe not at first but, you will be laughing about it, in days to come.

Make The Signs...

All this takes is a good imagination and very little time that is, if you have everything planned out.  I am here to help guide you through this process.  Remember, when making your signs be gentle (Not!) these are the folks you love and yet, they are your enemy on this coming Sunday, so throw that all nice crap out the window and let us get to work

 After you have made your signs, expressing just what you really think about the team your target/targets wish to win.  This is war folks, go for the gut.  You know they would do it if they thought of it first, so pull out all the stops and let them have it.

This 'is' Football Folks!

After your (my) target (the hubby) gets home from work, I ask him if he wants to help me in the kitchen or watch the grandson, he will go for that boy each and every time.  Tristan is 2 1/2 years old and he is all boy, he plays hard, he has no fear and he exhaust this 61 year old man, so he will be off to bed early and sleeping hard in no time.

Now if you have more than one opponent that you want to share your artist expertise with, as you also pretty up their doorway, for a better looking curb appeal.  You send out the first victim with the grandson and then you tell the another one, well since your team mate decided to opt out of helping me in the kitchen, they then were chosen to be my assistant in the kitchen.  Make them peel your potatoes and/or anything else you are able to throw their way.

Keep their limitations in the kitchen ( I mean, really, must I explain) in mind throughout this process.  Like the mere fact that I know, what takes me five minutes to do, will take them 20 to 30 minutes to do, any given day.  The peeling of one potato takes as much concentration for them, as it would be if you yourself had to take the SAT's with no pencil.  It's just irritating, I must leave the room every time they take up this task.

This mission is not 'even' close to being over with...

Oh I am not done with them yet,

     

You knowing good, darn and well that Tristan (grandson & partner of mine) will run just about the very last energy this old man has stored up.  Your first victim is relieved that he can now catch his breath.  ow time to exhaust victim two.

Once victim two gets a drink for him and his great-nephew Tristan, he happily trots out the door, escaping my demands only to get out of the frying pan and into the fire with his great-nephew.

If you have dogs, add them to the mix, for both victims mind you.

As soon as victim ones sits down, make a huge sigh (he is 61 after all), you have a nice cold glass of ice tea ready, you are always so thoughtful.

Proceed to grab what other vegetables you have that needs some chopping, grab a TV tray, a nice, cutting board and a big bowl and say "Honey, could you please cut these up for me, it's not much.".  He will sigh, he might even give you a harsh look but ignore it and go back to the kitchen and finish your chores.

Man Rule:  If the one that is cooking for you says "Jump!", just say "How high?" before they get the j sound out, remember, they will be feeding you.

Not Done Yet...

You would think one day of the Tristan and the dogs thrown straight at them would have their butts in bed by now but no, not them, there is always time for television.  So let them have their dinner, make the hubby give the grandson a bath, a workout in itself.  Have him tuck the little guy into bed.

As soon as your two victims are kicked back and relaxing, watching another wrestling show, ask them to help you with one more thing.  If you must, grab a spray bottle, fill it with water and then spritz your face right before you leave the kitchen, having had the oven on for at least an hour, nothing in it by the way, look haggard, as if it was 'you' that had to do 'all' of the work that day.  The EFF-IT balls need to be made folks.

I Don't make this stuff up folks...




You think I am being Facetious, well I'm not... Them last year

Yes this was the men Last year the night before Super Bowl Sunday, no folks, I do not play and if I say it is so, it is so. 

By the time the eye strain effects the hubby's brain as he uses his dollar store glasses to sew up my EFF-IT balls, he will be ready for bed.  Use their weaknesses against them, this is a game folks and we want to win!

But any how, by the time they get halfway through with this task, you will hear the extra (<eyeroll>) loud yawning, you then know that they are starting to go down, all you have to do then is, place in front of them a mouth watering dessert, they will chow down and then be ready to fall fast asleep.

finish up what needs to be done in the kitchen as you wait for your victims to fall into a deep sleep.  If your target is like my target was last year, then you might have to wait for the old man's middle of the night pee visit.

But once you hear that toilet being flushed and the moans and groans as the hubby enters back into his comfortable safe bed, you then take action.  Once Billy is asleep, he is out, no worries!

Operation Duct'em is on

Yes you will a bit tired in the morning after staying up so you are able to share your decorating expertise with the ones you love but, it will be well worth it all in the end.

So when all are snuggled in their beds for the night, grab your duct tape and poster boards and make your way to their bedroom.

It is very helpful to have a partner to help you pull this caper off.

By the way...

Most will be willing, as they do know that the mere fact of it all is, when they are part of 'my' team, they then will not be on the opposite side, always a good thing.

Especially for Super Bowl festivities and April fools day.

It is always better to be on the strongest team, when ever possible.



All in....

Grab your roll/rolls (depending on how many of those you love, you will want to share your expertise with) of duct tape, the lovely poster boards that you painted up with all the love you have in your heart, just for them.

Then Duct tape their butts inside of their room, using the signs and 'plenty' of duct tape.  Have your partner hold the sign and duct away.  The more duct tape, the better.

Please make sure you have those loving words pointed towards the inside of the room, you 'do not' want them to miss out on your beautiful art work..

Remember the hint I gave you on part 1 of my Super Bowl Party series, about taking care of yourself first with that lovely Orange & Honey Compound Butter, well make sure to have it ready in the refrigerator.  Set your clock, waking up early, as to make sure you will be the first one up, even before the rooster crows.

Rise & Shine

Make your way to the kitchen, make yourself your favorite beverage, make you a stack of pancakes and a few pieces of sausage.

Remember:  You have been working hard this week, you 'do' deserve this, no guilt!

When you have made your plate, grab a chair and the TV tray, set your food down, relax in your chair and then just wait for those you love so much to wake up and see all your artistic love you have just showered them with.

I have found that this is the best seat in town, come Super Bowl Sunday morning and I am sure you will also.

They have Risen...

Oh how you have waited for this moment, you have not only worked hard both physically and mentally for this very moment in time.

Do not blink and yes please, have that camera ready, you hear their foot steps getting closer and here, your time and energy has paid all.

They open the door and what to their surprise....

Don't forget to Say Cheese!

Come on admit it, it is a great prank and one that has stood the test of time.  Will the hubby be a bit upset, sure!  Oh well, he will survive and you will have the evidence of it (if you remembered to take the photo that is) all to show the grandkids and the great grandkids, on just how Granny got one over on Granddaddy.

So as not to make your first victim get his panties into much of a wad, invite him to grab a plate of pancakes (of course you made extra) and then come and join you in the next showing of "Duct Tape Gone Mad Episode" as your second victim wakes up.  Oh yes folks this is the best way to start your Super Bowl Sunday.

Back in the Game...

You want to make sure you have at least party favorite for those you love and do not fret, I have the perfect solution and one I came up with last year for our Super Bowl Party.  Yes, my team was not in that game either, damn falcons!

I would also like to point out that this is also a cheap item to make, basically you will not be breaking the bank but, you guest will love this gift all throughout the game and even after.

EFF-IT Ball's

These balls are made from felt and embrod* thread, a ripped up old sheet, towels or what ever you have that is a bit tattered and you were meaning to throw it away.

You will need two squares 9x12 of felt, your choice of color for each eff-it ball you plan to make.

One package of embroidery floss for each EFF-IT ball but if you are intending to make more than just one EFF-IT ball, than that one package will be enough thread for two EFF-IT balls.

Why EFF-IT balls you ask, well we usually have children around and so we do try and keep the language at least pg rated but, every now and then your team just makes you furious, you then can throw your ball down and say EFF-IT, the kids ask and your explanation will be...

No hon, that was not a cuss word, I said 'effort', damn they really put in that 'effort'.

Little Reminders...

I picked up my avocados Thursday, they were hard so I placed them in a brown paper bag and placed them on my kitchen counter. I am sorry I did not remind you to pick your avocados up but come next year, you will be ready.

In the mean time go to your favorite Mexican restaurant you love to visit and place 2 large orders of the stuff.

Bring it home, add a bit of cracked pepper, some sea salt, a few drops from a lemon, mix it up, place in a bowl and now you are able to say yes, I made that.

Also those that also frequent the same restaurant will more than likely say "It taste like Jose's but, a bit different, love it!" and all you have to do is sit there and smile and your come back will be "I know, this will be my go to recipe from now.

When they ask for the recipe just tell them "I promised my friend I would not give away her great-grandmother's recipe away.".  That should be the end of that.

Still Football Folks!

I feel that the 49ers offense will dominate the ball and that their defense will hold their own.  As a falcon fan, it hurts me more to write this than it does for you Ravens fans to read it, I promise you.  At least your team made it to the Super Bowl, thank you very much.

Bottom line is folks, just relax, grab all your supplies and even though we Americans's might consider it a holiday it is not, all stores will be open.  You can always use the running backs on your team to make you a run or two.

Please visit my first chapter on how to throw the best Super Bowl Party, Ever!

Super Bowl XLVII: Part 1

Super Bowl XLVII:  Part 3

If your victim/victims don't have much of a sweet, then at least serve them a savory breakfast, you 'will' be needing their help throughout the day...

Loaded Baked Potato Quiche:  Done Mama's Way!

I will be back in a few hours with the next chapter of us throwing the best Super Bowl Party, Ever!

All photographs are the property of Denise O.  Do not use unless you get 'my' written permission. All written material is owned by Denise O, it will not be 'used' (sharing my article is different and acceptable) without 'my' written permission.  Just keeping it real folks.:)