By Suzanne Schmidt
Staff Writer
Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most popular days to stay at home and throw a party. It’s a great excuse to get together with friends, get rowdy and eat junk food.
Many elements go into planning a Super Bowl bash. Hosts have to get the right food and of course, no party is complete without decorations.
Party Scene, 2115 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, has a selection of football party supplies, some of which are specific to the teams. In this case, the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts are fighting it out. So, decorations are blue and white, and black and gold.
Party Scene owner Lisa Vignera and her husband, Frank, have a game party every year. Frank Vignera said he thinks decorations help set the tone for the party, which is why he always makes sure to go all out. He wants everyone to have as much fun as fans at the game.
“We have wonderful decorations and all the paper goods we could need,” Vignera said. “We also have an inflatable super bowl cooler and a bunch of different cooler cozies. We really like to go all out. We throw the football around and try to make it as fun as possible.”
Even though the Wesley Chapel resident is not a loyal fan to either team playing, he has picked out the team he is rooting for.
“I think it would be good to see the Saints win,” Vignera said. “They had a rough couple of years.”
The typical fare at a Super Bowl Party might include chips, dip and other finger foods but Betsy Crisp of Land O’ Lakes said she it is important to remember to incorporate healthy snacks as well.
“I advise people to have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables,” Crisp said. “Another thing that helps is to make a dip with non-fat sour cream or non-fat yogurt dip. It is a good time to make wiser choices and to limit amounts.”
Some of the vegetables Crisp recommends for a platter include the traditional fare like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and green peppers along with radishes, squashes, fresh green beans, zucchini and cucumber.
It’s no secret that party goers expect to eat while they watch the game. Small bite goodies are popular this year. Publix Aprons has a variety of recipes for sliders available to customers this year.
The game is just around the corner. Get shopping and have some fun.
Sliders are a popular item this year. Publix Aprons offers up this tasty treat:
Black’nd Blue Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Prep and Cook: 25 minutes (Makes 12)
Ingredients:
- 6 Deli fried chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 cup blue cheese salad dressing
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons blackening seasoning
- 12 Bakery dinner rolls (sliced for buns)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut each chicken tender in half; bake 10–12 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Toss hot chicken with wing sauce. Combine salad dressing, mayonnaise, and seasoning.
- Place in bun: chicken and blue cheese sauce. Serve.
CALORIES (per 1/12 recipe) 250kcal; FAT 16g; CHOL 25mg;
SODIUM 660mg; CARB 17g; FIBER 1g; PROTEIN 10g;
VIT A 2%; VIT C 0%; CALC 6%; IRON 6%
