There is too much going on this weekend.  I don’t like it.  Why is the Super Bowl so late this year?  I remember I used to be annoyed when it was the first weekend in February (instead of the last weekend in January like the good old days).  But now we are all the way to the middle of February!  No.  Make it stop.

It’s not going to stop.  I looked it up and they added a regular season game to the schedule this year and therefore an extra week to the entire season.  So I guess Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day will be close to each other from now on.  Why am I so old that these things bother me now?  Let’s face it, that’s the real problem.

I don’t have the energy to focus on two things this year so I’m picking Super Bowl.  Don’t worry, I’ve got your Valentine’s Day menu covered too.

Super Bowl Planning

I have menu planning options in the cookbook on page 138.  There is one specifically for this event.  Here’s a little preview

I’ve had this year’s menu planned for a while but am, of course, constantly tweaking it.  We are having some old standbys like Buffalo Chicken Dip and Pigs in a Blanket (made with puff pastry instead of crescent rolls as pictured below).

But, I am also going to make little pork tenderloin sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls which I’m very excited about.  They are so simple and delicious.  Plus, I love all things miniature.  And I’m adding a store bought bag of Chex Mix because I’m not crazy enough to try and make my own Chex Mix.

I’m sure I’ll keep tweaking and adding a few more things but the Buffalo Chicken Dip is already mixed and in the freezer, and I have all the ingredients for the Pigs in a Blanket and Pork Tenderloin sandwiches. Those are set.

I do have to figure out a Super Bowl dessert though.  Probably Brookies just as suggested in the cookbook because they are super easy and a crowd pleaser!

You know what is even better about Brookies?!?!?!!!! It makes 18, at least.  The recipe on the blog says it makes 12 but that is a super brownie-ish brookie.  E was right and it’s ALMOST too chocolatey.  Make at least 18 instead.  I really need to update that.  Anyway, if you make 18 and you aren’t having a huge Super Bowl party then you can have some left over for your Valentine’s Day dessert!  Yay!

Valentine’s Day Planning

Maybe you want to focus on Valentine’s Day instead of Super Bowl.  Or maybe you are a super star and are going all out for both.  Good for you!  Here is a little help for some delicious but not too time consuming options.  It is on a Monday after all.

For a traditional “Steak Dinner” type of Valentine’s Day choose these:
The Perfect Steak
Au Gratin Potatoes*
Roasted Asparagus

*You can make the Au Gratin potatoes the day before and throw them in the fridge unbaked, then just bake them for dinnertime. They will take longer to bake because they will be cold. If you want something a bit less time consuming you can choose Mashed Potatoes. Super fast and easy but just as delicious are Herb Roasted Potatoes

Maybe you are more of a “Seafood Extravaganza” person:
Foil Packet Shrimp and Grilled Lobster Tails are both quick and easy
Salmon with Greek Salad
Seared Tuna with Niçoise Relish

For a French inspired meal make:
Cassoulet**
Salad Greens with The Perfect Vinaigrette
Good crusty bread to soak up EVERYTHING

**This cassoulet can be made on a weeknight but make anything you can ahead of time. If you want all the warm cozy French flavor but in a simpler form try my Cassoulet Soup instead. I promise, you won’t be sorry.

If Italian meals are your favorite (they are everyone’s favorite) here are some options:
Baked Rigatoni with Salsiccia (my first blog post ever)
Chicken Scallopini
Creamy Italian Pasta
Deconstructed Caprese Salad

If you are having a Vegetarian Valentine’s celebration try one of these:
Easy Oven-Baked Risotto
Eggplant Parmesan (gluten-free version)
Slow Cooker Ratatouille

And for dessert… Honestly, every single thing on the Dessert Page is amazing. Pick whatever sounds best to you. Make sure to take a gander at Sticky Toffee Pudding though. It shouldn’t be overlooked.

Happy Super Valentine’s Day Bowl Weekend!!!