Simple Food & Super Hospitality

A good Super Bowl party is right up my alley. Being the only girl in a family of football-playing brothers growing up on good ol’ Rocky Top (which basically means you’re born a football fan), I was destined to be a Super Bowl queen. I have a feeling some of you can relate.

Between my husband and his family from Charlotte (Go Panthers!), my sister-in-law from Denver (Go Broncos!), and all of us sharing a love for the Vols (Go Peyton!), I expect a lot of fun loving "house-divided" trash talk this weekend...and I can’t wait!

If you’re planning on having a get-together for the big game, I have come up with few simple tips to throw a fun and relaxing party on Sunday night, perfect for whomever you cheer for.

First things first:

One of the keys to making someone feel welcomed in your home is to be present as the host. It is far more relaxing for everyone if the person throwing the party is actually a part of the party instead of busying around the kitchen, trying to make everything perfect and keep everything clean. Guests will pick up on stress and tension from the host so remember to relax and have fun. The point of hospitality is to put relationships above appearances. So if your kitchen is messy from cooking when your guests arrive or you burn the appetizer in the oven, don't sweat it and don’t let it ruin your night. Roll with it, and enjoy the people around you, even if the chicken tastes a little “ashy.” (Trust me… it makes for a good story later.)

Let’s talk food:

Since our goal is to focus on the people at the party, we have put together three simple and super-for-bowls (get it?!) snacks. Whether you are having finger foods, dinner, or desserts (or all three!), we've got you covered. These recipes can be made a few hours in advance, require minimal steps and and can all be prepared in crock-pots, making both prep and clean-up a breeze!

Jalapeño Mac & Cheese: Beware: Once you have this at your party, you will never be allowed to have a party without it ever again. It's that good.

Crock-Pot Taco Chicken Nachos/Tacos: This is so easy and a great way to cater to those who are picky (make-your-own nachos) and those who are always really hungry.

My Mom’s Famous Apple Dump Cake: As my Daddy says, “Be prepared for your tongue to slap your brains out trying to get at it!”

(check out the ingredient list and methods for each recipe below!)

Remember what's important:
The Super Bowl is a great example of how we as believers can show Jesus in anything and everything we do. We all have friends or family members that we dearly love that will not go to church with you, and may not even come to your house for Bible study, but will gladly attend a Super Bowl party. Invite those people in. Make it a time to simply show love to someone who may be lonely or who could use a dose of encouragement and a bit of fun. Your open door can be an open door for Jesus to meet someone’s need. 

Every party can provide a purpose, even if it’s just to spend time with folks.  Throughout our party snacking, commercial rating and at-home touchdown dances, we can still love on people and honor Christ in our football fun.   

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:23

Happy Super Bowl everyone!

Jalapeño Mac & Cheese

1 box of macaroni

1 box of cooked bacon

1 block of white queso Velveeta cheese

½ - 1 jar of pickled jalapeños

1 bag of shredded cheddar (or pepper jack) cheese

1 bag of shredded Mexican cheese

1 or 2 splashes of milk

Boil the macaroni until al dente (just short of being done).

Heat bacon in the microwave until crispy, and cut into 1 inch strips when cooled.

Cut Velveeta cheese into 1 inch squares.

Drain macaroni and pour into crock pot.

Add bacon, cheese (reserve some to layer over the top), jalapeños (for an extra kick, pour a splash of jalapeño juice from the jar in with the ingredients.)

Add a few splashes of milk then stir together.

Add the last little bit of cheese on the top (and even more jalapeños if you would like).

Cook on high, stirring occasionally, until all the cheeses are melty and gooey.

Crock Pot Taco Chicken

4 thawed boneless, skinless, chicken breasts

1 onion

1 green bell pepper

1 can of black beans

1 can of yellow corn

1 packet of taco seasoning

1 can of Rotel tomatoes

Put the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot.

Cut onions and peppers into strips and place on top of the chicken.

Rinse black beans and corn and pour into crock pot.

Mix Rotel, taco seasoning and a tbsp of water together in a bowl.

Pour over all the ingredients in the crock pot.

Cook on high for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is done.

When the chicken is cooked fully, shred with two forks while still in the crock pot.

Serve over tortillas, lettuce, or nachos and add your favorite toppings!

My Mom’s Famous Apple Dump Cake

1 box of spice cake mix

2 large cans of apple filling

1 stick of butter

Empty apples into the bottom of crock pot.

Add the box of spice cake mix on top of of the apples.

Cut butter into cubes and add to the top of the cake mix.

Do not stir.

Cook for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.

Serve with whipped cream, greek yogurt, or ice cream.