The Super Bowl has a niche but seriously devout following in Ireland! Even from a by-standers point-of-view like mine, it can't be denied that the Super Bowl creates sensational ads, some cracking half time shows (U2 & Bruce Spingsteen), some that are a little 'interesting' (thanks Janet!); but most importantly, the Super Bowl gives an excuse to eat awesome American snacks.
So while I thought Tom Brady played for Kerry and not the Patriots and that a touch down was something they do at US airport security, I have always appreciated the finer details in their snacks.
Whether you're throwing a Super Bowl bash or tailgate party as I believe our American friends partake in pre-game in the car parks of the stadium (otherwise known as 'pre-sessioning' or just plain drinking out of the back your car if this was Ireland), here's a rundown of the essential snacks you need in your food arsenal:
Wings
A Lovin Dublin favourite; while not always advisable if you are trying to woo someone as they can leave your face and hands like a war-zone, wings are de rigueur for any Super Bowl bash.
Nachos
Nachos were invented by a maître d named Ignacio Anaya, who served them to a group of US army wives on a Mexican US military base in the 40's (at least that's what the internet tells me). To everyone else they are delicious tortilla chips, topped with jalapenos, cheddar and depending on your preference beef, tomato and onion.
Pizza
Whether it be the Italian stallion, the Hawaiian or a plain old pepperoni the everyone has a favourite pizza type. Kick off your Super Bowl celebrations with some dough shaped delight
American Football 'Cheese-Ball'
Take a leaf out of the food network's book and create this unique snack that looks like a football. This is a cheese-ball with a nut and cranberry topping, and finished off with sriracha for the football laces effect. Americans are gas altogether with inventions like this, fair play to them.
Quesadillas
For those looking to mix it up a bit, quesadillas can be a fairly gluttonous treat depending on what filling combo you go for!
Chicken Tenders
Chicken Tenders are like the UPS or DHL of Super Bowl treats- they always deliver. There's not much else to say really apart from make sure you get some ace dips to top them off.
Beer
You're gonna need something to wash those snacks down, and any respectable Super Bowl session isn't complete without some red plastic cups and plenty of beers.
The Hamburger, America's Classic Comfort Food- A Superbowl Staple
Toppings may now have gotten a lot more obtuse from mushrooms sautéed in sherry and Cognac to guacamole and Wasabi mayo but you still can't beat a classic all american burger, Coca-Cola and french fries.
Oreo Milkshake
Oreo's absolutely smashed it out of the park in the advertising stakes when they 'newsjacked' the 2013 Super Bowl with their 'You can still dunk in the dark' tweet which overshadowed big budget TV commercials. They tweeted this at just the right time when the lights went out in the stadium. On a more culinary note- an Oreo milkshake is guaranteed to rock your tastebuds.
Hot Dog
The piece de resistance of a superbowl snack is the hot dog. Each US state likes to put their own spin on the hot dog from the Chicago hot dog topped off with beef, mustard, onions, tomatoes and bright green relish while Greek immigrants in Michigan created the Coney sauce with two stripes of yellow mustard and diced or chopped white onions.
These are just a selection of our favourites but this is the tip of the iceberg, tasty tacos, barbecued ribs and a whole range of sauses which could fill another article from spicy and tangy salsa dips, guacamole, to warm piquillo and crab dip all allow for a culinary extravaganza of options for your Super Bowl Sunday.
