The big game is happening this Sunday, and whether you’re cheering on your favourite team or are simply there for Maroon 5 and the half-time show (hey, we don’t judge), you’re going to need sustenance. As usual, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a few of our go-to game day snack ideas that are simple, cost-effective and are sure to please the home team.
The Kickoff:
Finger-foods are a must if you have guests coming over, so we want to make sure they are both delicious and plentiful! Keep your classic vegetable platter and add something a little more fun in the form of caprese skewers! These easy appies are fresh, light and tasty with only five ingredients. All you need are cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and bocconcini cheese to assemble onto your skewers, then drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top and you’re all set.
Another crowd-pleaser is, of course, the faithful charcuterie. Meat, cheese and bread — what’s not to love? Visit the specialty section at Fairway Market to find all kids of tempting meats and cheeses from close to home or around the world. Slice up a fresh baguette, garnish your platter with something fun like figs (pictured) and even Martha Stewart will be impressed.
First down:
We mentioned sustenance, and this is where we provide it: our football fans need something hearty to keep them going through the whole day, and we recommend a big ol’ pot of chili. This low-calorie slow cooker recipe is a family favorite, it freezes well for leftovers (if there are any) and trust us when we say that no one will ever know it’s vegetarian!
Ingredients:
1 28oz can diced tomatoes
2 14oz can kidney beans
1 14oz can black beans (drained)
1 onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 tbsp prepared mustard
2 tbsp Chili powder (or more, to taste)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 package ground veggie meat substitute (we like Yves Original Veggie Ground Round)
Directions:
Put first 10 ingredients into a 3-quart slow cooker
Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours
Add veggie meat substitute, stir and leave on warm until serving time
Put out a platter of fresh dinner rolls from Cobs Bread, sit back and wait for the contented sounds of happy tummies!
Hail Mary:
Now you know that you can do all this prep work and put together these homemade masterpieces if you like *or* you can head straight to M&M Food Market to pick up everyone’s faves and cook them at your convenience at home. Honestly for items like wings, stuffed jalapeños, and bacon-wrapped scallops, you may decide to make our friends at M&M Food market your first stop! Be sure to try: Chicken Pineapple Mini-Skewers!
Touchdown:
We can’t forget dessert, so after Adam Levine has done his thing (like only he can) with his boys at half-time, this is when you can bring out the goodies. Consider a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar with Island Farms ice cream from Fairway Market and delectable toppings from Bulk Barn. A Milk and Dark Chocolate Favourites box from Purdys will put a smile on everyone’s face. And hey – while you’re at M&M Food Market checking out the cheese-stuffed mushrooms caps, have a peek at the selection of squares, bars and cakes. Pro-tip: if the Blossoms® are on sale — stock up!
Shopping List by Store:
- Veggies and dip
- Caprese skewers
- Charcuterie inspiration
- Ingredients for a killer chili
- Paper plates, napkins, decorations and party favours
- baguette
- Fresh buns
- finger-foods such as wings
- dessert squares and bars
- toppings for ice cream sundaes
- Milk and Dark Chocolate Favourites box