Football season is officially in full force! I have to be honest, football has never been something I’ve really been into. Seriously, just ask my husband about my explanation of a First Down – it’s amusing. But now that I’m married to my husband who grew up watching football religiously and also played it in high school, there’s no getting away from it! So if I can’t beat ’em, I might as well join ’em and have fun with it. I’ve decided to fully embrace the sport and the culture for 17 weeks out of the year- in my own way.
Football is about enjoying a good game with great company, right? It’s about coming together and having fun so I kicked off the first game of the season by inviting my family over for a small watch party. It must have brought our team luck because we have been winning ever since! I see many football parties in our future and I will probably get a lot more serious about it. I’m already thinking of the next party which will include fun decorations and an even better menu! Getting into the football spirit is my way of being supportive and involved in something my husband really, really enjoys. It’s part of his life, and so now it’s part of mine too!
My football party is all about the food. OK – maybe it’s a little bit about the football…
It’s not a secret that I love to make themed menus when I have company over. It’s fun for me to plan and I think it’s helpful in making dishes that complement each other. I put together a few treats and appetizers that I’m so happy to share with you all. Snacks are key so I made sure to set everything up in front of the TV.
Yes – we set up two TVs on game days!
Garlic Rosemary Baked Brie
This appetizer is so easy to make. All you need is one clove of garlic cut into thin slices, a few sprigs of rosemary, olive oil, and a brie baking dish. Simply remove the top outer layer from the brie and insert it into the baking dish. With a small paring knife, carefully poke the cheese so that the garlic and rosemary can be easily inserted. Drizzle some olive oil over the top of the brie and cover it with the lid, then bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F. Serve with crackers of your choice. I used Bruschettini Rosemary & Olive Oil toasts!
Loaded Nachos
These loaded nachos were so simple to put together. First, I thoroughly cooked ground beef in a high-sided pan, drained any excess fat, and seasoned with my secret taco seasoning! In the same pan, I sautéed red onions, red peppers, and corn in one tablespoon of olive oil. Next I layered nachos, beef, veggies, and shredded cheddar cheese in a deep baking dish and repeated that sequence until the dish was filled. I baked the nachos in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.
Graziano’s Market Choripan & Entraña de centro, served with Sweet Potato Fries
One major downside about living in a condo is the fact that no BBQ or grilling is allowed. With that being said, we’re really lucky that we have amazing restaurants just a few steps away from the building we call home. Graziano’s Market in Coral Gables is our go-to takeout spot for steak. We enjoyed choripan, sweet potato fries, and entraña de centro during halftime.
Football Frenzy Cookie Bouquet
This cookie bouquet was too cute to pass up and they were a hit on Game Day thanks to Cookies by Design! The personalized “Go Vikings” on the football shaped cookie made this bouquet complete. The cookies came in both sugar and gingerbread varieties. You can find more cookie bouquets like this one at Cookies By Design. I recommend them as a great addition to your party spread or a nice surprise that will bring a smile to anyone’s face.
The cookie bouquet is securely wrapped so that the arrangement is not damaged during shipping. There are so many cookie bouquets to choose from. From anniversary gifts to kids’ birthdays, you’ll be sure to find the perfect design for you.
If you want to get your hands on your own cookie bouquet, click here!
Chocolate Chip Football Cookie
I molded the dough from my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe into the shape of a football but creating the shape proved more difficult than I expected!
The dough spread everywhere!!! It spread to the edges of the cookie sheet and resembled the shape of Flubber (anyone remember that movie?)! Nothing about this cookie was right – it did not cook evenly, had very crispy edges, and had an undercooked center. After seriously considering throwing it out, I decided to try to salvage the giant cookie and carefully removed it from the pan onto a cutting board. I carved the cookie into the shape of a football as best as I could and then put the dough back in the oven, broiling it for just a few minutes so that the center would cook completely. I whisked up about two ounces of cream cheese with two tablespoons of confectioners sugar and drew on the football stitches! Cute, right?
I prefer cookie footballs
So we basically ate a lot of cheese and cookies. Not bad if you ask me! Offering a variety of sweet and salty/savory bites gives everyone a chance to munch while they watch the game on TV and well… if your team doesn’t win, there’s always great food and company to enjoy!
Almost too cute to eat…
SHOP COOKIES!
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, however I did receive a sample for my review. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
Blogger, social media consultant, optimist. Inspiring others to live the leisureist lifestyle trifecta: food, wine, and quality time.
