Food for big game

The biggest football game of the year is upon us. It’s time to plan your menu. Whether you watch because of the game, the halftime show, or just the commercials, food should always be one of the showcases.

With this in mind, I am bringing you two recipes that are great for the group you have gathered. If you have a few or a large group, these recipes are sure to please. The first recipe is a great snack option, Spicy Guacamole. The second is a little more heartier, Andouille Sausage meat Pies. So gather up your ingredients, and Let’s head to the kitchen!

Spicy Guacamole

Every Super Bowl party should have some kind of dip and chips. Guacamole is one of the easiest to make. You can adjust the amount of heat by adding or subtracting from the amount of hot sauce.

4 ripe avocados, halved, pitted and peeled

1/2 cup finely diced red onion

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 to 2 tablespoons hot sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients; mash with a fork to desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Andouille Sausage Meat Pies

Sandwiches are a good dish to serve for the big game. They require on utensils and are easy to grab. Here’s a spin on a fried meat pie. They are great for sharing with friends around the big screen.

1 tablespoon canola oil, plus more for frying

1/3 cup onions, minced

3/4 pound andouille sausage, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup sweet corn kernels

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Meat Pie Dough (recipe to follow)

1 large egg

2 tablespoons water

1 cup shredded mozzarella

In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add onion: cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add sausage, salt, paprika, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until sausage is slightly browned. Remove from heat; stir in corn and cilantro. Let cool completely.

Cut Meat Pie Dough into 20 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll 18 pieces of dough to a 5 1/2-inch circle, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Reserve remaining dough for another use. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. Using a 5-inch round cutter, cut rounds from each piece of dough. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 2 tablespoons water.

Place 2 teaspoons filling in center of each round. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon mozzarella over filling. Lightly brush edges with egg wash. Fold dough over filling, and press to seal. Using a fork, crimp along edges of pie. Using a pastry wheel, cut along edges to further seal. Freeze pies before frying.

In a large Dutch oven, pour oil to a depth of 4 inches, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 370℉. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack on top.

Remove pies from freezer. Using a slotted spoon, gently place pies, 3 at a time, in hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from oil, and let drain on prepared pan. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Meat Pie Dough

5 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 cup lard

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cup whole milk

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut in lard until mixture is crumbly. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Pour egg mixture over flour mixture, and lightly toss with your hands until a dough starts to form. Knead together twice, and let rest for 10 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until using.

As I write this, the teams playing in the game have not been determined. I don’t have a dog in the hunt since my Saints had a horrible year this season. I will still be watching the game to see the outcome. Mainly, I can’t wait to see the new commercials.