MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - January 25, 2010) - The average Big Game Day party has 18 guests, all of whom expect a steady stream of fun, satisfying and delicious foods to keep them energized during football's biggest game of the year.
This year's game plan to feed the hungry crowd can incorporate easy-to-prepare finger foods that will delight your guests, while giving you and your budget a break.
Visit feedyourfingers.com for all of these recipes and additional ideas from Diamond Foods.
Four Quarters of Finger Foods
Here's a complete menu of hearty and satisfying finger foods that give your guests manageable snacks throughout the big game and leave you with less cleanup and more time for cheering on your team.
1st Quarter
To encourage your guests to mingle and walk around, start off the game with finger foods at multiple food stations decorated in team colors. Try a hot appetizer like Spicy Smoked Almond Relish with Honey Baked Chicken Wings.
2nd Quarter
Time for some satisfying and hearty snacks, such as Cashew Cocktail Tuna Melts or Walnut Chicken Sliders with Almond and Roasted Pepper Mayo. Serve these hot sandwiches with fresh veggies, crackers and assorted dips.
3rd Quarter
Bring them back from half time with something spicy, such as Spiced Deluxe Mixed Nuts. For those who are ready for something sweet, set up a fondue station in the kitchen and serve Deluxe Mixed Nuts Caramel Fondue.
4th Quarter
For the finale, send everyone home with their own reusable container of Butter Popcorn with Dry Roasted Peanuts and Parmesan Cheese.
Spicy Smoked Almond Relish with Honey Baked Chicken Wings
Makes 25 wings
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon hot water
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
25 (about 3 pounds) chicken drumettes, patted dry
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Dipping sauce
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup minced onion
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon chipotle chile in adobo sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 cup Emerald Smoked Almonds, chopped
In medium bowl, combine honey, mustard, oil, water and salt; mix well. Add chicken wings; toss well, coating completely. Refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet; spoon on marinade. Bake, turning and basting occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 45 minutes.
Dipping sauce
In small pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add ginger, chile, garlic, cinnamon and allspice; cook 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and balsamic vinegar; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in almonds. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a tablespoon of hot water. Transfer to a bowl; garnish with chopped cilantro. Arrange chicken wings on a platter; serve immediately with the dipping sauce and a bowl of the extra chopped almonds.
Butter Popcorn with Dry Roasted Peanuts & Parmesan
Makes about 6 cups
6 to 8 cups Pop Secret Movie Theater Butter Popcorn, popped
2 cups Emerald Dry Roasted Peanuts
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon dried oregano, crushed
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon raw sugar crystals
1/2 teaspoon large sea salt crystals
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, combine the popcorn and peanuts; set aside.
In a small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add oregano, chile powder and salt; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour over the popcorn mixture; toss well. Add cheese, sugar, salt and pepper; toss well. Transfer mixture to a baking sheet; bake, stirring occasionally, until dry and toasted, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve immediately.
Big Game Day Party Tips
If your guests ask, "What can we bring?" recruit your team to bring party supplies in team colors or to simply lend a hand with final preparations. Here are a few other tips to make your big game party enjoyable for everyone.
-- Keep the guest list manageable -- how many can you comfortably seat in
the main viewing room? Can you rearrange furniture to maximize viewing
space?
-- If possible, set up a few yard games outside so guests can stretch their
legs at halftime. Games like ladder golf or a beanbag toss are a fun
diversion or have those armchair quarterbacks show their skills in a
football-throwing contest.
-- If you need to store guests' coats, empty your own coat closet before the
party, so guests can easily store and access their coats and you minimize
the hassle of digging through a pile of coats, matching them to their
owners after the game.
-- With a casual get-together, make your clean up a snap by placing multiple
trays, baskets or containers in discreet locations so guests can dispose of
used plates, napkins, glasses and utensils.
