The Super Bowl: It's All About the Snacks and the Squares

On Feb. 3, Super Bowl Sunday XLVII will commence. Some people look forward to the game, the funny commercials and the halftime show (Destiny’s Child reunion!). But others are solely there for the wings, the nachos and the pizza—and rightfully so.

Particularly without the Pats in the game, the food spread is even more appealing.

There’s something about Super Bowl food that gives the day an almost Thanksgiving-like aura. Both events boast a big, communal meal—except on Super Bowl Sunday, it’s usually deep fried and covered in Buffalo sauce.

In Northborough, there are plenty of local places that offer catering, and many restaurants that have special Super Bowl menus.

Wegmans, of course, is a one stop shop for all your party needs. You could build a new furniture set out of the cheeses they have available alone. If you don't feel like cooking, try the a la carte bars; there is everything from wings and barbecue to Asian food to soul food to desserts. The sushi is stellar. The deli will make up a platter (or there are some available), and again, the cheeses! Oh, and they've got any kind of beer, wine or liquor you could want.

Wegmans, on Feb. 3 only, is offering a Game Day Monster Party Bar stocked with tons of food from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Examples: Four kinds of chili, six flavors of chicken wings, fritters, pizza, potato skins and more. There’ll be Asian appetizers, like dumplings, egg rolls, pot-stickers, samosas, and BBQ ribs. Mardi Gras specialties will also be there, such as Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Bronzed Chicken with Creole Sauce and Five-Grain Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya.

Ribs? Wings? Try the Texas BBQ Company, which not only does orders to go, but has an extensive catering menu. It brings the taste of the southwest right to your party table.

With all of its state of the art TVs, super drinks, and cheery atmosphere, JJ's Sports Bar is suggesting you take yourself to the action and hang out there. The place is offering a free square to the first 100 customers, as well as food and drink specials all day.

Lowe's Variety and Meat shop always has a nice selection of marinated ready to cook steaks and chicken, as well as sides of potato salad and the like.

And need we even tell you it might be best, and easiest, to pick up some pies of the pizza variety and Northborough House of Pizza, Freshway or Monti's?

If you’d rather whip something up yourself, try these easy recipes:

Wendy’s Super Easy Super Bowl Guacamole

Ingredients:

•    1 bag of ripe avocados (4) from Trader Joe’s
•    1 container of fresh salsa from Trader Joe’s (spiciness dependent on your      taste)
•    1 – 3 large cloves of garlic, pressed or finely chopped
•    1 teaspoon ground cumin
•    1 bag of tortilla chips 

Directions:

1. Peel and pit avocados.
2. Mash the avocados in a non-metal bowl (if one or more of them seems a wee bit under-ripe, chop instead of mashing).
3. Drain the fresh salsa well (I usually use the lid to squish the salsa down and pour the liquid into the sink) and add it to the mashed avocados.
4. Add the pressed or chopped garlic and the cumin.
5. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (adapted from Rachael Ray) - serves 8

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground white meat chicken
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely chopped
• 1 cup cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
• 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s or Cholula)
• 3 scallions, green and white parts thinly sliced
• Store-bought, good quality blue cheese dressing for dipping
• 1 bag pre-cut celery sticks
• 1 bag pre-cut carrot sticks

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with the onion, garlic and cilantro or parsley, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Shape the chicken mixture into balls—you should have 32 meatballs in total.
4. Arrange the meatballs on a wire rack on a foil-covered sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
6. While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a large, flat bottom pan over medium heat.
7. Add the hot sauce and whisk to combine.
8. In the pan, toss the baked meatballs in the hot sauce to coat (you may do this in batches) and transfer to a serving platter.
9. Place the blue cheese dressing in a small serving bowl and garnish with chopped scallions.
10. Serve the meatballs with toothpicks alongside the blue cheese dressing, celery and carrot sticks.

TELL US: What are some of your favorite recipes for Super Bowl snacks? Where do you like to get takeout, or go out to? Share in the comments below.