By Alicia CruzEditor-in-Chief
Theblackurbantimes
The holidays will soon end and Super Bowl season will begin. You football widows and former football widows know what that means: hosting many football brunches and dinners leading up to the super bowl party.
In my family football Sundays and Mondays are like religious holidays. I know there are some women who loathe Football season like a root canal, but trust me, it's better to go along and enjoy...you never know, you just might end up actually liking it.
I look forward to Super Bowl Sunday almost as much as I do Christmas. Every year, it gets bigger and better. I start planning my menu and events in December and order whatever I know we'll need.I decorate my small backyard with football strung lights I picked up while in New York visiting my family. I have my brother string them in the trees and along the side of the house.
I set up Tiki lamps and a portable indoor/outdoor wet bar and stock it with everything from Perrier water, coconut water, Malta Goya, ting, Spring water bottles, carrot juice, Bud lite, Heineken, Medalla, Modelo (beer), Pepsi and juicy juice for the children.I have three piñatas set up for the children and three card tables set-up with a variety of board games. I lay out a twister mat and a dart board.
My best friend's husband is a whiz at making Piraguas. If you're a native new Yorker then you know exactly what "Piraguas" are, but if not: A Piraguas is a shaved ice cone covered with fruity flavors such as: raspberry, pineapple, coconut, guava or tamarind.
Back in New York we had some really hot summers and all the kids loved to see Senor Piragüeros coming with his cart. He had a big block of dry ice covered by a white towel and he'd use this huge ice shaver to make your cone then top it off with your favorite flavor. We also had Coquito icees. The Coquito man had a little white cart with two deep round holes in it. He'd scoop coquito out and place it in a small white cup for us to eat.
Back in New York we had some really hot summers and all the kids loved to see Senor Piragüeros coming with his cart. He had a big block of dry ice covered by a white towel and he'd use this huge ice shaver to make your cone then top it off with your favorite flavor. We also had Coquito icees. The Coquito man had a little white cart with two deep round holes in it. He'd scoop coquito out and place it in a small white cup for us to eat.
Both go over big with the children here whether it's 90 degrees or 30 degrees. They LOVE piraguas!Living in eastern North Carolina means super bowl Sunday may be a 70 degree day or a 45 degree.
Depending on the weather, I set up tables along side the house with all the goodies set on top or I turn my kitchen into a mini buffet. I serve off of paper plates adorned with footballs that I order online and plastic cups.
I set up three coolers for the beer, three for the Pierre and bottled water and stock the fridge with sodas and juice for the children.Guests usually start arriving around noon so I start with my light finger foods until around 5 0'clock when I'm ready to serve dinner.
Depending on the weather, I set up tables along side the house with all the goodies set on top or I turn my kitchen into a mini buffet. I serve off of paper plates adorned with footballs that I order online and plastic cups.
I set up three coolers for the beer, three for the Pierre and bottled water and stock the fridge with sodas and juice for the children.Guests usually start arriving around noon so I start with my light finger foods until around 5 0'clock when I'm ready to serve dinner.
Here are a few ideas for your super bowl fiesta:
A variety tray with cantaloupe, watermelon chunks, sliced apple, carrots, celery and low-fat ranch dip.Fat free sherbet, frozen yogurt and low fat butter pecan ice cream.Regular pita chips with salsa verde.
Potato skins with low-fat cheese and bacon bits, buttered popcorn
Grilled butterfly shrimp seasoned with NSA and a dash of old bay.
Macaroni and cheese, baked chuletas (pork chops) and baked fish (butter fish, catfish & whiting) using black pepper and NSA (no salt added) seasonings which are all natural, low sodium spices which are excellent for low fat, low sodium diets.
I use just about all of their seasonings, but on my fish I use their lemon pepper and house seasoning. I order these seasonings online. Click here to order your seasonings.
This year I'm making a big pot of sopón de pollo con arroz (chicken soup with rice) and platanos. It's filling and great if it's going to be a chilly night.
I serve steamed broccoli, squash, cabbage and string beans and season them with NSA (of course) and low-fat butter for flavor.
At the end of the night the "police crew" which usually consists of...me cleans up easily since everything was served out of paper and plastic and the men kick back with their brews to celebrate a win or mourn a loss. Either way, the party is always one to remember.
Alicia Cruz is a contributor for the Associated Content. She is a writer for ezine and currently the editor-in-chief at the Black Urban Times of Orange, New Jersey. She is former reporter for the Nashville Banner. Her career in journalism began as an intern at the Amsterdam News. She resides in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and is the proud sister of U.S. Marines.
Alicia Cruz is a contributor for the Associated Content. She is a writer for ezine and currently the editor-in-chief at the Black Urban Times of Orange, New Jersey. She is former reporter for the Nashville Banner. Her career in journalism began as an intern at the Amsterdam News. She resides in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and is the proud sister of U.S. Marines.This story is copyrighted. Original posting by Alicia Cruz for Associated Content 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment
We appreciates all comments and fosters free speech, however, keep in mind that we have young readers who peruse our site. Having said that, please refrain from using profane language, and know that flaming will not be tolerated. Spam will not be tolerated.