The Big Show: Super Bowl Sunday Pre-Game

So here it is. Right around the corner. The Super Bowl is here, this Sunday as a sports fan it is one of the biggest days of the year. As a food lover the occasion is also something I always look forward to. Super Bowl Sunday has historically been a day to let loose, eat junk food and drink some beers while screaming at the television. While I've shared some of those moments I like to change up the food a bit, step away from the ordinary and put a bit more effort and quality into the spread. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of cheesy, spicy, meaty items to be had and I love pizza, wings and chili.

The media around the country has been rounding up the best "dude foods", healthy snacks and the best delivery places. NYmag has a great roundup of massive subs you can order. Serious Eats recommends RUB's chicken wings for your party. Chow writes up a "playbook" with recipes and suggestions. Food & Wine has a number of suggestions, like Michael Symon's recipes. There are plenty of great resources out there, but the biggest thing is not to overdue it. I'm generally one who goes a bit too far, maybe an extra dish here or there, but this year, the goal is prep as much beforehand as possible so that the game can be enjoyed.

Without any stadium dip (this is just insane and impressive) or team colored cookies I am expecting to have:

• Cheese and Charcuterie Plate
  
• Guacamole
• Blue Cheese Walnut Dip
• Cheesy Artichoke Dip
• Homemade Pita Chips
• Buffalo Wings
• French Dip Sandwiches with Horseradish Cream Sauce and Au Jus
• Chocolate Chip or Snickerdoodle Cookies (made by my girlfriend the talented baker)
  

It may seem like a lot, but a good portion of this can be made the day before or the morning of letting me kick back, relax and watch the game (and maybe some of the commercials). Expect pictures and a full recap after the food/beer/football hangover subsides.