Menu: Super Bowl (mostly New Orleans-themed) Snacks

* * *These recipes can also be used for a Mardi-Gras-themed dinner./ David Samayoa* * *

I’m not a football fan at all.  But the fact that this is a New Orleans-infused Super Bowl inspired me.  One PR person suggested that Super Bowl parties may be second only to Thanksgiving in food consumption, according to Judy Walker of the Times-Picayune.

I’ve combed the web for great recipe ideas for a Super Bowl menu  All of the football fans I know like to keep things simple…pizza, wings, and beer.  However, just in case there are some of you out there who enjoy both cooking and football, here’s some ideas.

Also, since it’s already Mardi Gras season in New Orleans, you can use many of these recipes for a  Mardi Gras-themed dinner or party.

Super Bowl (or Mardi Gras) Menu Ideas

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

(Recipe from Co0king Up a Storm: Recipes Lost and Found from the Times-Picayune of New Orleans by Marcelle Bienvenue and Judy Walker)

If you love the food of New Orleans, you need to get Cooking Up a Storm. It’s a collection of favorite local recipes published in the New Orleans newspaper over the years.  After Katrina,  the Times-Picayune had some of the only remaining copies of treasured family recipes washed away by the storm.  So they compiled them in this book.

This recipe, which you can find here, is for “brown jambalaya,” since there are no tomatoes.

It took about 45 minutes to prepare.

You can also make a red jambalaya recipe (with shrimp and tomatoes) using Bienvenue’s step by step pictures and directions.

Crunken Chicken

(Recipe from Word of Mouth’s Stand up and Get Super Bowl Crunk menu)

courtesy of Word of Mouth

I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but it sounds mouthwatering.  Here is the description from the blog:

Marinated in Abita Turbodog beer, bourbon, Steen’s molasses and cajun spices then grilled (or baked) in a bourbon-molasses bbq sauce…

You can find a whole Saints- inspired menu here, including duck nachos and cold crawfish dip, and a Colts-inspired menu, which includes mini-Reubens and corndogs.

Mardi Gras Chili

(Recipe from NOLA.com)

You can serve chili on its own, use as a dip for nachos, or top off hot dogs or potato skins.

Muffuletta Sandwich

(Recipe from Saveur)

This giant sandwich is a tailgating favorite in New Orleans.  The muffuletta was invented at New Orleans’ Central Grocery and is still a year-round favorite.  You can make it ahead of time, bring the whole loaf with you, and then chop into four or five giant sandwiches when you’re ready.  Fans of cured meat rejoice!

Here’s another recipe for the muffuletta that may trace back to Mr. Lupo, the inventor.

Chips and Dip

Here are some ideas for that favorite Super Bowl snack:

Jerk and Brie Beef Dip with Sweet Plantain Chips -Since we’re hosting this year, we can also include some Miami style in the menu.  Dinkinish O’Connor had some creative dip ideas in today’s Miami Herald.

Beer Cheese Dip in a Bread Bowl-Enough said.

Crab and Celery Remoulade