This weekend is Super Bowl Sunday and whether or not you’re a fan of football, it’s a great opportunity for a get-together. The trick is having a little something for everyone to enjoy – the football lovers and those who are more interested in what Beyoncé is wearing in the half-time show.
How about making it a Mexican party? The food is easy and delicious – and it’s hot and sunny there now – and it’s definitely not here. So bring a little sunshine to your living room and to game time.
The Drink
Virgin Pomegranate Sangria
Tis the season for pomegranate so why not try this brightly flavoured and colourful beverage that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
1 quart pomegranate juice
2 cups papaya or mango juice or unsweetened apple juice
1 orange
6-8 strawberries
2 kiwis
1 mango or papaya
1/2 cup sugar
Preparation: Mix juices and sugar until sugar dissolves. Prepare fruit: slice oranges and berries thinly; remove skin and cut mango or papaya into chunks; peel kiwi and cut into thick slices. Add fruit to juice and let flavours set in fridge for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
The Food
If you want to relax and enjoy the game, keep the menu simple. Serve guacamole and tortilla chips as an appetizer, a Mexican stew as the main course and an easy apple enchilada dessert. But don’t forget – some folks prefer “traditional” Super Bowl food so it never hurts to put out chips and cheezies!
Guacamole (makes about 2 cups)
2 avocados
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 ripe tomato, chopped
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation: Peel and mash avocados in a medium serving bowl. Stir in onion, garlic, tomato, lime juice, salt and pepper. Season with remaining lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Chill for half an hour to blend flavours.
Mexican Stew (5 servings)
1 cup diced onion
1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups cooked chicken or 3 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans ready-cut diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans or 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (8 3/4 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
Directions:
1. Cook onion and garlic in oil in large saucepan until tender.
2. Add cooked chicken, taco seasoning, tomatoes, beans, corn and chilies.
3. Blend broth and cornstarch; add to saucepan.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes; stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with cornbread for a hearty meal.
Apple Enchilada Dessert (Serves 6 or 12)
1 – 21 oz. can apple pie filling
6 – 8 inch flour tortillas
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/3 cup margarine
½ cup white sugar
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup water
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Spoon fruit evenly onto all tortillas, sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up tortillas and place seam side down on lightly greased 8×8 baking pan.
3. Bring margarine, sugars and water to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.
4. Pour sauce evenly over tortillas; sprinkle with extra cinnamon on top if desired. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes
5. Makes 6 large tortillas; cut in half to serve 12.
Movie Time
For those who REALLY don’t enjoy football, how about a movie? Escape to another room and TV for a movie! If you can find it, “A Touch of Evil” is great – 1958, Orson Welles, Charlton Heston and Janet Leigh – and yes, it’s set in Mexico!
The Decor
Keep it to a minimum. It’s all about the game! Use bright napkins and tableware, mix and match the colours for a Mexican feeling. Light some bright candles, add some bright flowers and you’re done! If you feel like going all out, buy a piñata for post-game fun!
Enjoy your Super Bowl party – and may your team WIN!
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