Football Fans and Food

My parents, sister and me on the steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.

Anyone who knows me, knows that football is a take-it-or-leave-it thing, and that I attend Super Bowl parties for socializing, food, and the half-time show. 

I consider myself a lukewarm fan of football at best. I come from a place where football is a big deal, so one doesn’t have much of a choice. It was all around me growing up in Canton, Ohio, the home of the Professional Football Hall of Fame. We attended the HOF parades and festivities each year. The neighboring city of Massillon, father’s home town, gives footballs to all of the newborns. The rivalry each year between Canton and Massillon high schools is legendary, and prevailed in our household, as my parents were alumni of each school. Several friends, including my cousin’s husband, played football at The Ohio State University. My uncle worked as a spotter for Monday Night Football, in the era of Howard Cosell and Frank Gifford. After living in Cleveland for nearly 20 years, one becomes a Browns fan by default. Did I ever mention that when I baked professionally in Cleveland, the Browns stadium was one of our biggest accounts? We baked enormous amounts of pastries, cakes and cookies for every home game. And I hand decorated helmet-shaped sugar cookies by the hundreds. My boss had season tickets in the Dawg Pound. But today, if I were to return, I would be more inclined to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

But football food? That’s another story. For as long as I can recall, attending annual Super Bowl parties was all about the food. Everyone bringing dishes and gathering for the game (as I said, for me, more for the commercials and the halftime shows.) Now days, I’ve created many paleo recipes that offer fun and creative options, are easily executed and taste delish.  I defy anyone to tell me they aren’t as good as their cheesy, fried counterparts. 

I’m sharing three of my favorites, and I honestly had a hard time sticking to only three because there are so many I love! Give any of these a try for your upcoming weekend, and check out the blog for more inspiration. Some are more ambitious than others, but all will give you great results. And now, the comments section is open for your feedback, so give me your thoughts on each recipe you try! And if you’re so inclined, post on social media and tag me. I answer each comment myself! (And it helps with Google ratings!)

By the way, I will be cheering for the Bengals this year since they’re from my home state. May the best team win!