Super Bowl Party Ideas

Football season is almost over and for some of us, that is reason enough to celebrate! Super Bowl 2009 happens February 1st--- less than two weeks away--- so why not forget the bad weather and the bad news by getting a few friends together to watch the big game? This is always one party that both guys and girls look forward to and it can easily be done on the cheap. Beer and bar food is filling and inexpensive, too. Here's one idea for a fun yet frugal Super Bowl party:

Souper Bowl: Nothing is better on a cold day than a hot bowl of homemade soup and a grilled cheese sandwich and both are pretty inexpensive to make for a big crowd. Turn a simple soup night into a sport by asking guests to compete in your first annual Souper Bowl. Guests bring their favorite soup recipe and compete for prizes--- ask each what they plan to bring so you don't end up with 4 pots of chicken noodle. Set up the buffet wtih bowls or mugs, spoons, and lots of garnishes like crackers, chopped scallions, grated cheese and a variety of hot sauces. Don't have a favorite soup recipe? Try one of these from my favorite celebrity chefs--- Giada's Lentil Soup, Emeril's Creamy Potato Leek Soup, Barefoot Contessa's Chicken Chili or Tyler Florence's Mexican Tortilla Chicken Soup. 

Instead of standing over the stove grilling sandwiches, try these mini sandwiches. They're always a hit and easy to make with a tray of party rolls. Here's how: remove the whole tray of rolls. Slice them in half. Put the bottom back into the tray. Spread your favorite condiment on the top and bottom--- I like spicy brown mustard. Add ham, cheese, or your favorite sandwich combination. Replace the top and dot a little butter all over it. Wrap the entire tray in foil. Heat in a 350 oven for 15 minutes.

Souper Bowl not macho enough for your group? Have a chili cook-off instead--- almost every guy has his own secret chili recipe. Prizes can be everything from soup ladles to bottles of boutique hot sauce. More Super Bowl party ideas to come----!