I just received an email, and this is one that some of you are just gonna love!
It reads, “Corn Dog lovers across the country rejoice! MorningStar Farms Veggie Corn Dogs and Mini Veggie Corn Dogs are back and available in supermarkets nationwide beginning this month.” Okay, I was just kidding.
Now I know there are a lot of vegans out there, and I certainly don’t intend to step on your toes, and I also know that this is a great option for children who don’t know how to read yet, but come on!
Okay, I haven’t tried them, so I guess I can’t knock them, but it just seems kind of un-American. However, if you are trying to eat healthier during 2011, and you can fool your tummy, then go for it! Maybe use lots of mustard.
Anyway, Game Day is coming up soon, and I know several people are planning on some big events! If you happen to be one of them, maybe you will enjoy today’s recipe: Award-Winning Super Bowl Chili.
For the uninformed, the 2011 Super Bowl, or Super Bowl XLV, is being held in the Dallas Cowboys’ Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Practically in our backyard folks! Maybe we will be able to hear the roar of the crowd on touchdowns! And no telling what kind of lunacy the sponsors have thought up for commercial breaks.
Anyway, here are some Super Bowl facts for you to read up on until the big day actually arrives, to stir up some excitement.
• The Super Bowl was played for the first time on January 15, 1967, between the champions of the NFL and American Football League (AFL). During that time, the game was known as AFL-NFL World Championship Game.
•In 1970, NFL and AFL merged. Since then, the game is known as Super Bowl. The name was proposed by Lamar Hunt, the founder of American Football Conference (AFC), after seeing his daughter playing with a toy called “Super Ball.”
• The Super Bowl has been played on the first Sunday of February since 2004. Since the NFL season of a particular year extends over to the next year, Roman numerals are assigned to identify each game rather than the year it is held, i.e.: Super Bowl game for 2008 was played in February 2009, and is referred to as Super Bowl XLIII.
• The winning team of Super Bowl is awarded the sterling silver Vince Lombardy Trophy, crafted by Tiffany and Co. The Super Bowl trophy weighing in at seven pounds is valued at $25,000.
• Prior to the Super Bowl game, about three to five years in advance, the venue is chosen by the NFL. Cities bid to host the game. A location is finalized only after evaluating the cities individually, with respect to their stadium and ability to host the game. Until now, New Orleans and the Greater Miami have hosted the game nine times each.
• According to Nielson Media Research, 98.7 million people watched the Arizona-Pittsburgh Super Bowl XLIII game, beating last year’s record of 97.5 million viewers. (Buzzle.com)
Well, there you go! Maybe I just scored a few points with the opposite sex?
Even if you don’t watch the Super Bowl, this chili is great for the cold weather we have been experiencing lately. Enjoy.
Super Bowl Chili
Award winning Super Bowl chili
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 onion, chopped
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/3 cup bottled steak sauce
1 1/2 pounds ground Sirloin
1 (1.25 ounce) package chili seasoning mix
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, pepper flakes, bell peppers and steak sauce. Allow to simmer. In large skillet, brown beef; drain. Stir chili seasoning into ground beef. Stir seasoned beef, and cumin into tomato mixture. Continue to simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors are well blended. Stir in beans, cilantro and parsley. Heat through and serve. Use lots of condiments!