super bowl
ULTIMATE super bowl party tips cocktail recipes games & decor
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moments | february 2010
FEATURES
05 THROW A WINNING SUPER BOWL PARTY Everything you need to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday in style: how to get your home ready (HDTV: check), what to serve your guests, decorating ideas, download your invitation, and more. Have a tried and true Super Bowl recipe? Share it! 12 WHAT CAN I BRING? Rule Number 1: Never go to a Super Bowl bash empty-handed. Even better: have your gift arrive before you do. See our list of the hottest gifts from 1-800 Flowers. 17 MIAMI WHEN IT SIZZLES It’s the smallest of the country’s major cities, but Miami packs a lot of heat. Here, where to sun, shop, and refuel if you don’t have Super Bowl tickets. 19 REVIEWS: THE BEST FLAT SCREEN TVS Whether you’re in the market for your first flat screen, or want to upgrade what you’ve got before game day, there are tons of options to choose from. We’ve got a breakdown of the best boob tubes on the market.
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22 THE 10 BEST SUPER BOWL ADS OF ALL TIME What’s not to love about Super Bowl Sunday? Even the commercials are Must See TV. 27 HOW FOOTBALL CAN SAVE YOUR CAREER Knowing the difference between a field goal and a first down isn’t only useful on dates or on Sunday afternoons. It can also up your ante at the office. Plus, a glossary of the most common (and confusing) terms of the game. moments | 02
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moments | february 2010
IN EVERY ISSUE
04 Editor’s Letter 11 Little Reminders 14 On the Web 16 Did You Know? 23 Ask the Experts 26 Deal of the Week 31 Kids’ Corner 33 Event Calendar
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35 HALF TIME HITS From the electrifying (Paul McCartney) to the illegal (Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction”), the Half Time Show always gives us something to talk about on Monday. Here, a look back at the most noteworthy performances in Super Bowl history. 37 WHERE THE GIRLS ARE While the guys are glued to the game, what are the girls to do? Why, have their own party of course! Here, cocktail recipes, figure friendly hors d’oeuvres, and games that have absolutely nothing to do with the gridiron. 39 NO ADULTS ALOWED! From gear (team themed onesies) to games (Football Scrabble) to grub (Gridiron Cupcakes), treat your kids to their own Super Bowl party.
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41 44 GREATEST MOMENTS IN SUPER BOWL HISTORY From high-impact hits to incredible 28 QUIZ: ARE YOU READY FOR catches, ridiculous touchdown THE SUPER BOWL? dances to down-to-the-wire Test your knowledge of wins, we’ve selected the most football’s biggest night. unforgettable moments in football’s famous showdown. Does your 34 WHO’S THE HOTTEST favorite make the cut? Which quarterback is easiest on the eyes? moments | 03
ULTIMATE
THE SUPER BOWL PARTY PARTY ESSENTIALS | GAME DAY DECOR | TOUCHDOWN RECIPES
TOP TEN PARTY ESSENTIALS
DON’T GET SACKED DURING YOUR SUPER BOWL BASH. USE THIS CHECKLIST FOR A FUN-FILLED DAY OF FOOTBALL THAT YOUR FRIENDS AND DIE-HARD FANS WILL ENJOY. FLAT SCREEN TV
When it comes to the biggest game of the year, size matters. You’ll want your guests to be able to see without squinting. Give yourself bonus points if you have HD and/or surround sound.
PREP TIME
Make a list of all the things that need to be done ahead of time and then do them. You’ll be a lot more relaxed come game time when you’re not wondering where you put the extra pack of party napkins.
BEER, BEER, AND MORE BEER
Beer and football go hand-in-hand. Stock up on assorted beverages and take into account that many avid fans get glued to the tube and won’t leave the couch at any cost. Consider a cooler or icebox to place in the living room so they don’t have to make repeated trips to the fridge. (Hint: Don’t forget bags of ice!)
A FULL-ON SPREAD
Have plenty of chips, dips, veggies and other finger foods on hand. Check with your guests ahead of time to get an idea of what they’re bringing, and cover all the extras. See our recipe section for delicious ideas. Remember, when in doubt, go all out!
PRE-GAME PARTY TIME
Invite guests to arrive two hours prior to kickoff so that everyone has time to meet and greet, prepare food, and let the trash talking begin.
COMFORTABLE SEATING
Stock the viewing room with couches, chairs and plenty of pillows and blankets—and make sure they all have clear views of your gargantuan TV set.
PASSIONATE GUESTS
They don’t necessarily have to know everything about the participating teams or about football itself, but guests that know how to have fun and enjoy a game make a party that much better. A good mix of singles and couples and a similar gal/guy ratio is recommended. Oh, and fervent fans of opposing teams never fails to provide quality entertainment.
GAMBLING GAMES
Chances are your guests are going to be playing the odds. So, get involved in the fun and keep some cash handy. If you want to really get into it, create competitions (first half-time song performed, number of Budweiser commercials, etc.) and give out extra prizes. Creativity counts!
ALTERNATIVE TVS
For maximum viewing pleasure (and minimum fights between rivaling fans) have TVs set up in different rooms of the house—ideally, at least one in the kitchen, one in the living room, and one for non-football fans.
LAID BACK ATTITUDE
Spills are bound to happen. Don’t worry about the mess—just keep extra towels and cleaning supplies nearby. Even if you’re not into the game, have a good time catching up with friends. Nothing kills a party like a hostess with a harsh ‘tude.
GAME DAY DECOR
GET FESTIVE FOR THE FOOTBALL GAME WITH THESE SPORTS-THEMED FURNISHINGS. A SPORTY E-VITE Set the mood with an enthusiastic invitation that lets guests know where to be, what time, and what they’ll need to bring. Click here to download our e-vite for free!
FOOTBALL MINI BOWLS Keep chips and dips stocked and scattered around the room in these practical plastic bowls.
TEAM POSTERS Click here to download and print your team’s poster to hang on your door, by the TV and around your house!
REF’S SHIRT DRINK HOLDERS Hand these out as guests arrive so they can write their names on the backs of the jerseys and keep track of their drinks all day.
FLOWERS Flowers in your team’s color will brighten up the room—and combat the aroma of chili! Click here to order from 1-800 Flowers today.
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TOUCHDOWN RECIPES
SCORE MAJOR POINTS BY SERVING UP A SUPER EASY MEXICAN FEAST. (YES, A MARGARITA RECIPE IS INCLUDED.) GO TEAM! TORTILLA CASSEROLE Serve this with a big green salad and a bowl of black beans. Put out chips and salsa for people to munch on while it cooks. RECIPE Serves 6 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves ¼ cup yellow cornmeal ½ teaspoon chili powder ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for brushing) 1 small onion, finely diced 1 pound canned tomatillos drained and chopped if whole 2 small jalapeño peppers, seeds and ribs removed, minced 4 eight-inch flour tortillas (not corn, whole wheat, or low-carb) 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with chiles 2 tablespoons queso blanco or feta cheese DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 and cut chicken into ½-inch cubes. Combine cornmeal, chili powder, and salt and sprinkle over chicken. Toss to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through (about 6 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside. Wipe pan with paper towel and add the other tablespoon of olive oil and place over low heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent (8 minutes). Add tomatillos, jalapeños, and ½ cup water and cover. Cook over medium-high heat until liquid is reduced (10–12 minutes) and stir in chicken. Place one tortilla in the bottom of an 8-inch round springform pan brushed with oil (can also be made in a pie plate). Place ½ of chicken mix over tortillas. Place a second tortilla on top, cover with ½ of tomatoes-and-chilies mix, and top with the third tortilla. Cover with the remaining chicken mix and the final tortilla. Spread the remaining tomato mix on top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until golden brown (25–30 minutes). Transfer from oven to cooking rack for 15 minutes. Release the springform and remove sides. Cut into 6 wedges using a serrated knife and serve hot. You can also garnish with avocado, sour cream, or fresh salsa. moments | 08
MARGARITAS Fresh squeezed juice is the key to these incredible margaritas. RECIPE 4 teaspoons grated lime zest ½ cup lime juice (3–4 medium limes) 4 teaspoons grated lemon zest ½ cup lemon juice (2–3 medium lemons) ¼ cup sugar pinch of salt 3–4 cups ice cubes 1 cup 100% agave tequila 1 cup triple sec DIRECTIONS In a large liquid measuring cup combine lime zest, lime juice, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors meld—at least 4 hours, but the longer the better! Divide half of the ice among 4 to 6 glasses. Strain juice mix into a 1-quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, triple sec, and remaining ice and stir or shake until combined and chilled (about 30 seconds to a minute). Strain into ice-filled glasses and serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges or salt, your choice!
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CINNAMON CHOCOLATE BROWNIES WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING The meal has to end on a sweet note (even if the game doesn’t). These brownies have just a touch of cinnamon to keep with your Mexican theme. RECIPE ½ cup flour 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped ¾ cup unsalted butter at room temperature, diced 4 large eggs 1 cup sugar 1½ teaspoon vanilla DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350. Butter an 8-inch square pan. Mix flour, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Gently melt butter and chocolate together on stove top over low heat, being careful not to burn. Beat eggs in a large bowl until they’re thick and fall in soft ribbons when the beaters are lifted. Beat in vanilla-and-flour mix and then gradually add warm chocolate, stirring until just mixed. Bake for 35 minutes, until set. FROSTING RECIPE 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 3 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature 2 tablespoons whipping cream DIRECTIONS Whisk all ingredients in a small pan over mediumlow heat until melted and smooth. Pour evenly over cooked brownies in pan. Chill brownies until the frosting is set, about 2 hours.
TOP 10 SUPER BOWL ADS OF ALL TIME
NOT INTO THE WHOLE FOOTBALL THING? THANKS TO THE ALWAYS CREATIVE—AND SOMETIMES OUTRAGEOUS—COMMERCIALS THAT DEBUT DURING THE SUPER BOWL, GAME DAY CAN STILL BE ENTERTAINING. HERE’S A ROUND-UP OF SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR COMMERCIALS TO DATE. APPLE: “1984” (1984) The first Macintosh was introduced in this 60-second Orwellian spot done by Blade Runner director Ridley Scott. Even now, it’s amazing to look at, and has the added bonus of —get this— actually having something important to say about the product being plugged.
BUDWEISER: “FROGS” (1995) “Bud.” “Weissssss.” “Errrrrr.” “Buuuuud.” “Weeeeiiiiissss.” “Er.” It’s easy to make a cute, cuddly animal commercial that folks will love, but a frog commercial?! In the peace and quiet of the swampy summer night, the slimy little critters come off as witty and charming.
PEPSI: “APARTMENT 10G” (1987) What guy hasn’t had a lovely girl ask him for a favor, and gone way, way out of his way to get it? Michael J. Fox adds a hefty dose of sweet to America’s favorite soda.
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XEROX: “MONKS” (1977) Brother Dominic finishes duplicating an old manuscript, only to learn that the head monk needs 500 more sets. Hey, once an ad has fun with monks, the flood gates of irreverence are open. This spot is the prelude to every boundary-pushing pitch you see now.
MCDONALD’S: “SHOWDOWN” (1993) MJ and Larry Legend go head-to-head in a game of “Horse” and the winner gets a Big Mac. The off-the-scoreboard, off-the-expressway shots are amusing, but the ad works because, given that we’re talking about Michael and Larry, they’re almost believable.
PEPSI: “DINER” (1995) Two cola truck drivers, one hauling a load of Coke and one a load of Pepsi, meet in a roadside diner. When one samples the other’s soda, things get ugly.
MONSTER.COM: “WHEN I GROW UP” (1999) Fresh-faced kids look directly into the camera and share their dreams for the future—horrifying and hilarious at the same time. The kids look smart and ironic while the rest of us come off like dopes.
BUDWEISER: “CEDRIC” (2001) Cedric the Entertainer is romancing a very hot date. When it’s time to cool off just a little, he gets a little too “shaken up.” This one is actually a public service announcement: Never, ever dance with a bottle in your hand.
ELECTRONIC DATA SYSTEMS: “HERDING CATS” (2000) Rough and tumble cowboys tell stories of herding cats. The ad features a great use of computer imaging and a fun spoof of the macho Marlboro Man. It was the one everyone talked about the next day.
MASTER LOCK: “MARKSMAN” (1974) This ad is so convincing it makes you want to put locks on everything in the house. Better, more simple brand building is hard to find these days. The ad ran, with only slight variation, during the next 21 Super Bowls—the lock never broke.
Click here to vote for your favorite!
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