Super Bowl is Just Around the Corner

Jani says, "The Super Bowl will be claiming his attention around now so organize his TV area and have the TV serviced. Make sure there's lots of beer, pretzels, and ashtrays, and convince the kids that the local matinee is extra special for the duration of Dad's hours in front of the tube."

Our "TV area" also known as the family room/school room/play room/game room/music room is always in order as I am compulsive and tidy up the whole house every night. We don't have a TV per se. We have a projector and drop down screen. If it needed servicing, I wouldn't know. I don't even know how to turn it on. Allen is the person who services just about everything around here. He likes it that way and would think I was insulting his man hood if I called anyone else to do it without giving him a chance to have a go at it.

My family loves to watch football and we all have our favorite teams. Two of whom have a shot at being in the Super Bowl this year. We will all be looking forward to the game and it historically involves a bunch of friends and family visiting, too. So there is no need to send the kids off to the matinee, but I may keep that in mind for another day. Just kidding!

We do not drink beer, Allen could not care less about pretzels and has no need for ashtrays (isn't is fun to see how forty years changes such simple things?) but food is an intricate part of football for my men. I am not qualified to make the standard must have "Pa's famous nachos" that goes with a good game around here, but I will make sure the ingredients are on hand. (See recipe below if you are looking for something special to set on the coffee table.) There will also be a large pot of jambalaya (see recipe below) on the stove. Cold drinks in the fridge and either cake or cupcakes decorated to reflect their teams or sugar cookies with sprinkles in team colors.

Football isn't your hubby's thing? What is? Wood working? Wind surfing? How can you make a little time for him to enjoy his favorite activity? Let us know what catches your hubby's fancy and how you are going to give him the freedom to enjoy it and how you will go the extra mile to make it special for him.

Pa's Famous Nachos

Note: These are not for the weak at heart!
On a microwave safe platter, spread a layer of re-fried beans. Pour nacho cheese dip on top. (Yes, that disgusting stuff that is full of every chemical and artificial color you can imagine.) Microwave until warmed through. Drop spoonfuls of salsa on top. Do the same with sour cream. Put tortilla chips in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through. Put it on the coffee table and watch out. The men and boys will flock from every corner of the house as if they have not been fed in a week.

Jambalaya

1 pound hot Italian sausage, cooked and cut into 1/4 inch slices
2 pounds ribs, broiled
1/4-1/2 pound ham, cut in 1 inch cubes
2 cups Uncle Ben's Converted rice
32 ounce chicken stock
28 ounce can whole tomatoes
2 green peppers in 1/2 inch dice
oil for frying
2 or 3 yellow onions in 1/2 inch dice
3 or more cloves garlic, chopped
4 ribs celery, sliced
2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
6 green onions
3 Tablespoons fresh parsley
3 teaspoon whole thyme
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper

Tabasco sauce, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream to serve for topping.

Heat oil and sautee garlic, onions, green peppers, celery and green onions. Add ribs, tomatoes (crush by hand or with the back of a wooden spoon) and chicken stock. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Add sausage and pan drippings to pot. Stir well. Add ham, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper, Worcestershire, and Tabasco. Add rice and simmer 20-30 minutes, covered. Keep a close eye to be sure liquid has not cooked off. Add more stock if needed until rice is tender.

Set out a bowl of grated cheese, Tabasco and sour cream for topping. This looks huge but you will be shocked that by the time the trophy is on the field your pot will be empty.