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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v15n03)
Life of the Party - 44th Street Chili-Cheese Dip / My Favorite Sloppy-Joes - by Elizabeth Morse
posted: Feb. 02, 2018

Life of the Party header

It's about that time. Football. Merriment. Super snacking. The best commercials of the year will air AND we're all wondering if everyone will keep their shirts on during the half-time show. A-hem, Justin Timberlake. Yep, Super Bowl 2018 is upon us. Whether you like a big crowd or a smaller crew, I've got some great tips and excellent recipes to make your Super Bowl Sunday one for the record books.
Make sure that you've got the basics assembled: beverages, snacks and plenty of comfy seating in view of your TV. You want some brewskis that are light enough to be enjoyed in succession without anyone "overdoing it". Because I dig supporting all things local, I'm going to suggest "Natural Liberty" from Black Acre Brewing Co. in Irvington, Sun King's "Cream Ale" and Metazoa Brewing's "Walk in the Park" Hefeweizen. None of these will disappoint. Be sure to have some soft-drinks on hand, too. Brugge Brasserie was making some tasty sodas-might be fun to include some of that sugary goodness in lieu of the usual super-market suspects.
On to the yummies. No football party would be complete without nacho cheese and below is the best I've had. This recipe was served throughout the eighties at the famed "44th Street Block Parties" in Meridian-Kessler. Credit to my mother, Ann Brunner for this treasure. Serve it with big bowls of tortilla chips.


44th Street Chili-Cheese Dip

1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 slices bacon, chopped
1 pound Velveeta
1 (15 oz) can pre-made chili without beans
1 (10 oz) can tomatoes with green chiles

Directions: Sauté onion and bacon until the onion is tender and the bacon begins to crisp. Stir in the remaining ingredients and heat over medium until bubbly. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid sticking. This is a wonderful thing to serve in a crockpot or warmer during the game! (Set to low or "warm") I like to offer both blue and yellow tortilla chips, but just make sure there are plenty.

Besides nachos, I will be offering mixed nuts, a tray of fresh veggies and fruit, a beautiful platter of slider buns and another crock pot filled with beef for guests to create Sloppy Joes. For dessert, a pile of Bourbon Brownies and a big bucket of Indiana Caramel Corn from the gals at Just Pop In!


My Favorite Sloppy-Joes

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green pepper
½ cup ketchup
1 can condensed Chicken Gumbo soup
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons butter

Directions: Melt the butter in a large skillet and brown the beef. Push the beef to one side, and in the empty space, add onions and green peppers. Sauté until tender. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer 15-20 minutes.
Mound this deliciousness into a second crockpot or warmer if you have one and set it to warm. Your guests will be able to enjoy nice hot sammies all evening.

One of the most important strategies for entertaining is to have great food AND a great time. That means that you, the host, can actually enjoy your guests. If you set yourself up for success, it can really be a cinch. All these menu items can be made and/or purchased in advance. You can set out your plates, napkins and silverware. Fill the ice bucket. Turn on the warmers. Wipe off the counter and have a quick shower. When you are ready for company, ALL the work has been done and you can enjoy yourself without running around like a crazy person.
Make your spread comfortable and welcoming, but gear it towards self-service. Most friends and family will appreciate being able to relax and be casual. Game-themed or team-colored paper plates and napkins may inspire a little friendly competition (Go, Eagles!) and you can kiss the dirty dishes good-bye.


The following Bourbon Brownie "Life Hack" is my gift to you.
These are so delicious and so easy. Ready? Here it is: Bake your favorite brownies. When you pull them out of the oven and they are still nice and hot, sprinkle 1 ounce of Bourbon over the top of them. The liquor will soak in immediately. Allow the brownies to cool completely as you normally would. Dust the pan with a generous layer of powdered sugar and cut the brownies into desired-sized pieces.
That's it. This trick works with brownies and virtually any booze or liqueur that might tickle your fancy. I've enjoyed Framboise (Raspberry), Grand Marnier (Orange), Amaretto (Almond), Nocello (Walnut) and Crème de Menthe. Let me know if you discover something wonderful that I've not thought of.

I hope you'll try these fun recipes and suggestions for a party that's a breeze. Enjoy the game and time with your friends. As always, please let me know how you liked my recipes and shoot me a photo of your game day spread! Happy Super Bowl.



Elizabeth Morse, owned the Corner Wine Bar in Broad Ripple for close to 20 years. She is a graduate of IU, Hoosier Chef, Food Writer, Wine Guru & Advanced Master Gardener who believes in supporting all things local. Check out her blog: www.schlepicurean.com. Email her at elizabeth@broadripplegazette.com




elizabeth@broadripplegazette.com
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