Superbowl parties are a big deal, although I am a hockey fan myself, any reason to gather with friends for some food and drink is alright with me. Like any event, no one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while the game is on, so plan ahead, prep ahead and make things easy for yourself. Build a menu using convenience and fresh items in combination. This equals less "work" for the hosts and more time watching the game.

There are a few superbowl staples that you can easily include in your party menu and build on to create a football feast:

Dips and Salsa
When it comes to pre game warm up, simply tear open the tortilla chips and serve. I like to make my own guacamole and salsa, they are simple, fresh and can be made in advance. Try this Guacamole with Goat Cheese & Tomato [1] recipe.

Ribs and Wings
No superbowl party is complete without them! For easy from scratch ribs, you could try our Slow Cooker Blood Orange Teriyaki Beef Ribs [2]. However if convenience is more your style try our Compliments Fully Cooked Pork Back Ribs in Barbecue Sauce [3]. We also have all kids of wings to choose from, my personal favourite are the Compliments Chili and Lime Chicken Wings [4].

Sweets
Dessert should be kept super simple – something easy to eat out of hand; think bars, brownies and cookies.

Sandwiches
I like making sandwiches, not only because I love eating sandwiches, I also find eating them to be somewhat therapeutic. Strange, I know. For the super bowl you can make them on any sub bun, baguette, roll, wrap or bread you like, but you’d better make them hearty! Think lots of deli meats and sliced cheese or give my Beer Bathed and BBQ’d Sausages with Arugula and Roast Peppers a try.

Beer Bathed and BBQ’d Sausages with Arugula and Roast Peppers
Makes 5 Rolls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

2 cans beer (355 mL) each
1 large onion, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tbsp (15 ml) black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp (30 mL) canola oil
5 (1 package) Compliments Hot Italian Sausages [5]
5 sub rolls
1 tub (227g) Compliments Herb & Spice Dip [6]
2 tbsp (30 mL) Compliments Dijon Mustard [7]
2 packages Compliments Fresh Arugula [8], washed and well dried
1 tub (250 mL) prepared roasted red peppers, sliced

1. Bring the beer to a boil with the onion, peppercorns and bay leaves in a large sauce pot over medium high heat. Reduce to a gentle simmer, pierce the sausages with a fork a few times each and add them into the beer bath.Poach the sausages in the beer until cooked through, approximately 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile pre-heat your bbq at medium high heat.
2. Slice open the sub rolls, spread the top with the herb and spice dip and the bottom with some Dijon mustard. Remove the sausages form the beer bath, pat them dry and lightly brush them with the oil. Grill on all sides for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the exterior.
3. Slice the sausages in half lengthwise and place a whole sausage on each roll. Slide some arugula and roasted red pepper in the sliced sausage and serve.

Have a safe Superbowl!
Chef Ryan Skelton