We are over the holidays, hopefully full-on into our New Year's resolutions and OMG, see how time flies: here we are already inching up on America's biggest religious holiday ever: Super Bowl Sunday!
Okay here is the real scoop: after Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest eating day of the year. Seriously! And since it is coming up in a few weeks it is time to start thinking about your “tail-gate” party. This party is a nibbling party which can be right at home in front of your big screen TV!
Eating on SBS is an art and can be done, well when? When are you going to get up to do that? During the game? During the commercials? During half time? You get my point. Food should be on the buffet and ready for one to snatch up at any time.
Menus range from the simple to the gourmet which is why today I am sticking to the basics. They include among many ideas the following: dips, salsa, nachos, guacamole, sandwiches, pizza, ribs, salads, slaws and desserts. We are going with two of my favorite basics, chili and chicken, both of which can be kept warm and ready in a chafing dish or crock-pot. You can add other items depending upon your guest count and your appetite.
QUICK AND DELICIOUS CHILI
One package Carroll Shelby's Chili Kit (sold in grocery store or online)
One lb. extra lean ground beef (chili grind if you can get)
One onion, chopped
One Green Pepper, chopped
Garlic - 6 cloves, minced
Tomatoes: 14oz can of stewed tomatoes
2/14oz can of whole tomatoes with liquid, break up the tomatoes
(I just squish them in my fist!)
8oz can tomato sauce
one small can tomato paste (optional - to thicken)
Water only as needed if too thick
2 14-15oz cans Kidney Beans (or Pinto), drained and rinsed.
Canned corn (optional), drained
1. Saute onion in medium skillet until translucent, add garlic and green pepper and cook until soft.
2. Add beef to skillet, scrumpled up, and brown in pan, breaking up the meat as you stir. Drain off any fat.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Put into crock pot on high. Add 1/2 package chili spice. If you like it hot, add accordingly. I never use the cayenne because I do not like it too spicy, but add it as you like. Check for flavor, add salt IF needed.
5. Cook for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
6. Take 1/2 package of the masa and dissolve in 1/4 cup cold water. Mix well so it doesn't lump. Add to chili and mix well. This is a tasty thickener - it adds a great corn taste.
7. Now add the beans (and corn) - heat for about 15 minutes.
(If you need more thickener, add it. If you need to thin it, add some water only 1/4 cup at a time).
Serve with your choice or with all of:
Saltines, Grated Cheese, Chopped Onions, Chopped Jalapeno Peppers
White Rice, Corn Bread or Garlic Bread
ENJOY!!
EASY CROCK-POT CHICKEN WINGS
2 doz. chicken wings
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 Tb shaved fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dry ginger
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions, chopped
1-3 tablespoon honey to taste
2 teaspoons oil
1. Put chicken wings into crock pot
2. Combine all ingredients in bowl then add to chicken wings, mix well
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir wings occasionally.
YUM!
