subject: Top 4 Sports Party Recipes [print this page] Anyone who has ever been to a party to watch a major sports event will tell you that the two most important elements the event are the food/beverages and the quality/size of the television. Sure, there are some diehard sports fans who could be watching the game in a rubber room on a black & white 14-inch screen with nothing to munch on besides pickled beets (which are delicious, by the way). But most people would prefer to be sitting on a plush sofa with friends, watching a huge flat screen HD television and munching on a series of tasty treats. While most sports fans will not go out and by a brand new flat screen television just to host the game, it does not require much for you to invest in a good chip-and-dip combination or two. Here are some of the top food items that everyone will be expecting.
1) Beer
While this is technically a beverage, it is the foundational source of calories for any major sporting event. Depending on your age/income bracket/social circle, many of your guests may supply alcohol of their own to share with your guests. But you are expected to have a healthy supply on reserve, especially as attendees will most likely be unable to drive to the liquor store for more if you run out. Figure 2-3 beers per person as a solid foundation, depending on how heavily your friends drink. If you have leftovers, you can always save them for the next event, as beer keeps for years.
2) Guacamole and tortilla chips
This amazing Mexican dip can be found in grocery stores across the country, from Maine to Arizona, from Tennessee to Montana. But pre-made varieties will often be extremely expensive and lacking in the vital freshness that defines homemade guacamole. Plus, the recipe requires little more than mashing up a ripe avocado! Just add some diced onion, garlic, and peppers, some freshly-squeeze lemon juice, and spices like salt, pepper, and ground chili to taste, and you are good to go! Your friends are likely to be quite impressed, having never thought of you as a gourmet.
3. Hot dogs/sausages/hamburgers/veggie burgers
Having one or two meal-like items is always a plus. Especially if a game is expected to go on for hours, having a more substantial option is expected, and depending on how much beer you have chilling in the fridge you may want to make sure that your guests have eaten enough. Just consider your guests meat/dietary preferences/needs before going out and buying 10 sausages only to remember that 3 of your friends keep kosher, and the fourth is a strict vegan.
4. Vegetable Tray
This is not what generally comes to mind when you think about a major sports party, but it is important for a number of reasons. First, you do not want any of your guests to get scurvy. OK, that was a joke. But seriously, these events are often filled with artery-clogging, love handle-generating, heart attack-inducing junk food. The veggie platter will provide a source of relief and nutrition.
