Raise your hand...

if you're excited for the Super Bowl! My hand is currently waving in the air.  Football is actually kind of interesting - I am just starting to learn how the game is played.  We're excited for the match-up on Sunday night, even though our favorite Packer was traded last year. We love both teams, so we'll just be cheering the whole time!

If you're excited for a big party on Sunday night and you're not sure what to make for your guests, (or bring to a friend's house) I have a few ideas for you. 

We had a get-together with two other families on Saturday night, and this was our menu - it was kind of like a practice for Super Bowl eating.  Included in our guest list were nine extremely hungry kids (ages 7-15).  I've never quite seen food disappear so quickly.  No kidding.  I'll tell you a little secret : I loved it!  I love when people are enthusiastic about my cooking. 

 The Pioneer Woman's Drip Beef Sandwiches (version #1) - to die for.  The pepperoncini peppers add a zesty little kick.  It really can't get any easier than this.  I baked mine in my crockpot liner at 300 degrees for about six hours.  Total prep time: less than five minutes. 

serve with crusty rolls and sharp provolone - be sure to add some juice to your roll!

 

 Cream of Broccoli Soup

1 1/2 lbs broccoli, stem removed and chopped
2 cups water
2  large carrots, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
 2 T butter
 2 T flour
 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
 1/2 tsp salt
 freshly ground pepper
 1/2 cup light cream

1.  Heat water to boiling in stockpot.  Add vegetables and boil for about ten minutes or until all veggies are tender.
 2.  Carefully blend mixture in blender or use immersion blender to puree. 
 3.  Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in flour, stirring constantly until smooth.  Stir broth into flour mixture and continue heating and stirring until smooth.
 4.  Stir broth mixture into flour mixture. 
 5.  Add cream and season to taste. 
6.  Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream, if desired. 

 Pepperoni Rolls

your favorite pizza dough
pepperoni slices
pizza seasoning
shredded parmesan
olive oil

Roll out pizza dough and sprinkle with parm, seasoning and olive oil.  Cut into strips and roll up three pepperoni slices in each strip.  Allow to rise at room temperature for 30 minutes.  Bake at 395 degrees for 15-20 minutes.  Serve with marinara sauce.  

Potato Skins

Wrap whole potatoes in aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or until tender.  Slice potatoes in half and scoop out insides (keep for another use).  Lay potato halves cut side up and sprinkle with lots of shredded sharp cheddar.  Bake at 395 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned.  Top with crumbled cooked bacon, sour cream, and chives.