Game day is a pretty big deal in the Filian household. We tend to go all out with game day party foods. This year is pretty exciting because the 49ers are Super Bowl bound. My hubby was born and raised in San Francisco so you can imagine that he is a huge fan!
This year during the play-offs we had everything from a Sourdough Bread Bowl Soup Bar to a mixed-up party tray. Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite recipes and dishes for game day fun!
For the game day soup bar, I bought sourdough bread bowls from Porto’s here in Burbank. If you are ever in Glendale or Burbank you MUST go to Porto’s for a bite of yummy Cuban food.
For the soup bar, I bought soups from Costco….. and it was a smart move! They were so delicious. Of course, I bought Clam Chowder! I also purchased Crab / Corn Chowder soup and a Lobster Bisque. It was easy and cheaper than making from scratch.
Look how happy the hubby is! Go Niners Go!
During one of the play-off games, I made oven baked beans with bacon. I adapted the recipe from The Chunky Chef. They were beyond yummy and the leftovers were even better.
I love Panela Cheese. I buy it in big chunks at my local grocery store. Super King in Glendale, CA has a huge selection of cheese. Panela is a Mexican variety of cheese. This type of cheese is created in many different ways and regions. When I was growing up in Iowa, we called it Amish Cheese. I have also purchased it under the name Farmer’s Cheese. Greek restaurants often fry the cheese. The cheese is bland so it blends well with other flavors. I love it on crackers with hot pepper jam from Trader Joe’s. Panela can be baked. It doesn’t melt but it heats up and is super yummy after a good marinate.
For the marinade, just drizzle olive oil over a chunk of the cheese. (pierce the cheese a few times to let the flavors soak in) Add 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic. Add some salt and pepper. I use Jane’s Crazy Salt for my salt…. it is an herb salt. Then add some herbs (fresh or dried). You can use cilantro, parsley, thyme, basil, etc. Add a few hot pepper flakes. Press the garlic and herbs into the sides of the cheese. Marinate for a few hours or overnight. Bake for 30 min @ 375 degrees F. Serve with bread, crackers etc. Check out Mexican made Meatless for my inspiration for this dish.
I love this silly football party tray. I got it on clearance for $1 and I have really gotten my dollar worth. LOL. I think party trays like this are a good place to use up all my pantry snacks. I like to serve lots of little different bites. Some for the grown-ups and some for the kids.
My kids love drumsticks. It is one food that I know I can get them to eat. If we know we are hosting a few kids, I always plan on a tray of chicken with hummus and pita bread.
For a sweet treat….. during a 49er game……we love to serve It’s It’s Ice Cream Sandwiches. They are amazingly delicious and a true San Francisco treat.
