If you’re like me, the last place you want to be on game day is in the kitchen yelling into the family room to get the latest score. But I’ve found myself there in the past – especially since hosting Superbowl is a bit of a tradition in our home.
For example, last year we had more than 60 friends over to watch the game, race an all-day minibike rally in the side yard, sip adult beverages, and generally have a great time. Looked like a lot of fun from the kitchen!
I’m determined this year will be different – especially since the day before I’m chaperoning an all-day school competition for my kiddo. Yikes!
But instead of stressing, I’m pulling together a Superbowl party menu idea that provides plenty of fan-friendly grub for all comers and lets me take part in the party, too. And since most of my friends love to cook I know we won’t be short on food…
I’m having a Superbowl Chili Cook-Off… With Prizes!
Chili is an easy make-ahead game day favorite and there are infinite variations – plus, we’re in Texas, so it just makes sense. Instead of making three or four pots myself (aka: work) I thought, why not give everyone a chance to show off their favorite recipe?
Here’s how I’m doing it…
First, I’m offering some game-inspired prizes to entice cooks (see some cool ideas below), and every entry gets a prize like a fun potholder or some other groovy kitchen-themed goodie from the dollar store. So it’s friendly, our voting system won’t be for the “Best,” instead, we’ll vote for things like “Prettiest Color,” “Best Smell,” “The Most Ingredients,” and so on.
For serving, I’m putting together two serving bars; a Frito Chili Pie Bar (it’s a Texas thing) with Frito chips, shredded cheese and diced onions. The other is a Hot Dog Bar (I keep them warm in my big slow cooker) with the same fixin’s along with ketchup, mustard and relish.
What could be easier? I’m definitely looking forward to Superbowl Sunday this year!
I’m, of course, entering my favorite chili recipe, a slightly altered version of Wick Fowler’s 2-Alarm Chili, and we’ll just see who wins the award for “The Most Like Canned Chili.”
Here are some fun game day prizes and serving ideas, too:
