Caterers' Super Super Bowl Ideas
By Debbe Geiger
Super Bowl Sunday is said to be second only to Thanksgiving as the biggest at-home entertaining day of the year. Those who throw and attend Super Bowl parties are either: 1) really excited about the game; or 2) know there's a game on, but can't name the teams that are playing.
Whichever camp you're in, if you're hosting this year's football fête, you can bet on one thing: it's easy to entertain stylishly without cooking for hours or spending game time in the kitchen. Here's how:
A new take on traditional favorites
Nibbles at the Playboy mansion: Passed bite-sized morsels always make eating easier when TV-watching or mingling. Scott Winfrey, co-owner of catering firm Marquis Food Service in Westland, Michigan, created high-end nibbles for the Playboy Super Bowl party in Detroit recently. Winfrey's company served Hugh Hefner's guests lobster lollipops, coconut chicken skewers, and sushi on a conveyor belt.
Lobster lollipops probably won't be on most Super Bowl party menus. But Winfrey and other caterers agree that the easiest way to elevate game-watching fare is to add a twist on the standards.
Stepped-up sandwiches: For example, instead of familiar cold cut heroes, try serving up slices or wedges of country-style bread filled with grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and arugula, all drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Heat and eat: Or you can make—or buy—some heat-and-serve strombolis. An Italian pepperoni and salami classic, or your favorite deli meats, along with sautéed peppers and onions, covered with cheese, wrapped in bread dough,and heated in the oven is a delicious alternative to sandwiches. Slices of hot, stuffed bread are also tasty when filled with an assortment of grilled-vegetables, with or without melted cheese.
Fun wraps: Other alternatives to everyday sandwiches are the perennial favorites, wraps. They're colorful, easy to manage, and proven crowd pleasers. Many caterers and gourmet delis offer wraps on trays or in gorgeous baskets. Beautifully presented wraps plus pasta, rice, grain, potato, or vegetable salads can make your Super Bowl party fare spectacular.
Most caterers and gourmet take-out stores offer a dazzling assortment of wraps. Look for tasty combinations such as turkey and smoked brie; grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing; assorted grilled or fresh vegetables with thin slices of cheese; shredded chicken or beef with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and barbeque sauce, among others.
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