Super Bowl Sunday Sew In - The Pillowcase Challenge

This Sunday is the Super Bowl and we are having an online "sew in". Since we are spread all over the globe, we would like you to sew in with us and post onto the web site about your progress. Most of us will be making pillowcases for the 1 million pillow case challenge during the Super Bowl.

If you have family members who require food and munchies during the game, it's best to organize ahead of time so they don't bother you for food while you are sewing. That way you can get your stitching done! Of course, you can order pizza, or some ready made sandwiches. My family is somewhat spoiled and they expect a special treat. It would certainly have to be homemade and not "take out". And besides, I like to cook!

One of my favorite things to do is to plate up cheese, crackers and fruit, or fresh veggies and a dip. An antipasti platter is also nice. Our absolute favorite is a baked brie, which usually serves as a hot appetizer at any family party or function.
There is a great video demonstration on how to do this on the Food Network. I usually use nuts and 1/4 cup of brown sugar in my brie (rather than the jam used in the recipe in the video) and the steps I use are exactly as it appears on the
baked brie video by Paula Deen.

My other favorite dish for Super Bowl Sunday is my Crock Pot (or slow cooker) meatballs and sausage. These can be made days ahead and then warmed the day of the game, or you can start them up in the crock pot in the morning and they will be yummy by game time.

Here's my meatball recipe:
1 pound ground round beef (you may use ground turkey or a mix of beef, veal and pork if you wish)
1 small onion finely chopped
1 clove garlic finely chopped
1/2 c seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg
2 large cans peeled Italian tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine
1 pound sweet Italian Sausage links
2 large carrots
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground peper
1 tsp dried oregano
Fresh Basil
Fresh Parmesean cheese

Step 1. Brown Sausage
In a heavy skillet, heat 1 TBL olive oil, and brown your sausage links, turning frequently.
When the links are browned, remove from the skillet and allow to drain on paper towels. When they are cooled enough to handle, slice them.

Step 2. Prepare Crock Pot
Place the crock pot on High and add 2 large cans of peeled Italian tomatoes. Include all liquid. Squeeze the tomatoes through your fingers to crush them.
Add your sliced sausage to the tomatoes.
Take the carrots and grate them, rather finely. I like to use a rasp, but a grater with a fine grate is fine. The carrots will add sweetness to your sauce, and they are good for you!
Add seasonings (1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper and 1 tsp dried oregano)

Step3. Prepare Meatballs
Take your ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, and egg and blend completely with your hands.
Shape into meatballs about the size of a ping pong ball.
Place the meatballs into your tomato sauce, pressing gently so that all the meatballs and all the sausages are below the level of the tomato liquid.
Cover.

Continue cooking on High for about 4-5 hours. Your sauce will be bubbling and quite hot. Lower the temperature to low and add 1/2 cup rich red wine. Cover and simmer until you are ready to eat. This will simmer for a few more hours and will be perfect to eat. Or, if you prefer, you can refrigerate, and then reheat for your meal.

When you are ready to serve, you may serve the meatballs and sausage over pasta of any kind. Or, if you prefer (and this requires no additional cooking), split open fresh rolls and make meatball heros.
Sprinkle with julienned fresh basil and freshly grated parmesean cheese.

For anyone who prefers the addition of peppers to their hero, you can place a side dish of sauteed peppers and onions on the table and that is a nice addition as well.

I hope you enjoy! A nice complement to this meal is a platter of fresh mozzarella slices alternating with slices of hothouse tomatoes, sprinkled with salt and pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of julienned basil.

For a simple dessert, serve a frozen low fat yogurt or ice cream. Put out toppings and let people make their own ice cream sundaes.

Happy stitching and Happy eating! Please share your favorite game time recipes!!
Lisa