The Recipe Circle

(ARA) -  On Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, an estimated 140 million people will gather to watch Super Bowl XLI (that’s 41, for all you Roman Numeral-challenged folks out there). They may be cheering for their favorite NFL team, enjoying the event as true-blue football fans, tuning in with hopes of seeing some funny and inventive TV commercials or just plain socializing. Whatever the case, one thing’s for certain: if any of them are coming to your house for the game, you’d better be prepared to entertain. Here are some easy tips to make sure your guests don’t throw a penalty flag on your Super Bowl Party hosting skills:

Decorations
Make color your decorating companion. A few streamers and a dozen balloons in the competing teams’ colors will go a long way to making your home the Home of Super Bowl XLI. And remember, colorful paper plates, plastic cups and disposable silverware can actually add some decorative flair, while saving you from dishwashing duties.

Games
Hosting a few games will spice up the on-screen action and help draw some of the less football-savvy into the game. Ask guests to predict which team will score the first touchdown, what the score will be at half time, etc., and award small prizes to those who have the winning predictions.

Sure, if you have space in your rec room, go ahead and build that one-quarter-scale football field, but these games are a little less likely to necessitate major home repairs or trips to the emergency room.

Football
A Super Bowl Party without television is about as interesting as a Super Bowl without football. So, while there may be exceptions, most of your guests are probably expecting to watch a little football at your party. When you’re setting up the main viewing area, make sure you have plenty of seating and good sightlines to the television.

Food
Everyone enjoys a party except, usually, the host. That doesn’t have to be the case at your Super Bowl party. In fact, with the right spread, you can impress your guests and keep yourself out of the kitchen and in front of the tube.

Focus on recipes that go together quickly and require minimal fuss. Finger foods reign at a Super Bowl party; the fewer utensils required the better. While pretzels, chips and dip, and cheese and crackers are time-tested, don’t be afraid to bring a little culinary sophistication to your party. Here’s a suggestion to get you started:

Athens Mini Fillo Shells
These flaky frozen shells, sized perfectly for that savory single bite, thaw quickly and make a delightfully crunchy vessel for whatever you choose to put in them. They’re equally adept at adding zest to a spicy Southwestern salsa and cheese snack as they are at providing a delicate crowning touch to a sweet, crème brulee-flavored dessert. Since they’re pre-baked, you can prepare the fillings ahead of time then fill and, depending on the filling, pop them in the oven for a quick reheat at game time.

Short on time? Pick up pre-made salads and spreads from your supermarket’s deli department to fill your Athens Mini Fillo Shells. Short on recipes? Here are some ideas from the chefs at Athens to get you started.

* Mozzarella, Cucumber, Tomato and Basil – A guiltless delight that’s simple to make but sophisticated enough for pickier palates. For 15 appetizers, in a small bowl combine ¼ cup diced tomato, ¼ cup diced, fresh mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons diced cucumber, 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix the concoction lightly and chill it for one hour. Line each fillo shell with one whole basil leaf and spoon a rounded teaspoon of the filling into each shell.

* Shrimp cocktail – A new twist on an old fan favorite, this one’s about as easy a recipe as they come. Simply spoon 1 teaspoon of cocktail sauce into each fillo shell, add one cooked shrimp (tail up) and garnish with a sprig of dill.  

Oh, and feel free to sample the finished appetizers, but don’t forget to serve them to your guests.

For additional Super Bowl party recipe ideas, visit www.athens.com.

About Athens Foods
Athens is the world’s largest producer of fillo dough and fillo products. With over 45 years of experience in perfecting fillo, Athens is committed to continually creating new recipes, high-quality hors d’oeuvres, handmade desserts and a full array of fillo delicacies. For more information about Athens Foods and its products, visit www.athens.com or call (800) 837-5683.

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