Super Bowl Sunday Menu - New Orleans Style!

This Sunday, Superbowl XLIV (that's 44) will be played right here at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, FL. I had to double check the current name of the stadium with my husband Steve since it changes about as often as Tiger changes girlfriends (well maybe not THAT often)! Land Shark Stadium, Dolphin Stadium, Pro Player Stadium, Joe Robbie Stadium – how’s a girl to keep up?

This year’s contenders for the NFL Championship are the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. After doing a little research, it appears the Saints are the sentimental favorites in this year’s game. Not only as a result of the way the city has rebuilt following the ravages of Hurricane Katrina, but also because they have never, in the history of football, been to a Superbowl! Who knew? Now, I am not the biggest football fan (I, too, have never been to a Superbowl) but I am a sucker for an underdog AND some fabulous New Orleans-style food! Fortunately, "Savor the Moment" is chock-full of recipes to create a fabulous, New Orleans-style Super Bowl menu, .

New Orleans-Style Super Bowl Menu:
Alligator Eye Dip (pg. 54) – made with black eyed peas, no need to panic!
Game Day Muffalettas (pg. 139) – piled high with ham, turkey, salami and provolone cheese what’s not to love?
Sausage and Chicken Jambalaya (pg. 169) OR White Chicken Chili (pg. 120) – read my blogs about these two recipes and good luck choosing one. Might as well make both!
Praline Bananas Foster (pg. 237) – OMG your guests will never leave!

As for what wine to drink on the big day, ideally, you want something versatile that can pair with a variety of dishes and flavors. A sparkling wine would be fabulous (isn’t it always?) whether it’s Prosecco (Italy), Cava (Spain) or Champagne (France), and there are lots of great options at a variety of price points. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris would also be great choices and would pair nicely with the dip on our menu. For reds, try an American or New Zealand Pinot Noir or an Australian Shiraz or Shiraz-based blend to pair with the Jambalaya and the Muffalettas. If you opt to make the White Chicken Chili though, I think you have to go with beer. Stick with the same beer you use in the recipe, I made it with a Corona and it was delicious!

Now, please don’t get the wrong idea. It's not that I'm against the Colts - I actually think Peyton Manning, in addition to being a fabulous football player, is pretty funny too. I had to include one of my all-time favorite Saturday Night Live clips that features Peyton spending some time postively influencing children in a youth program. I hope you enjoy the clip as well as your Super Bowl Sunday. Also, to fans of the winning team, don't forget to savor the moment! Cheers!