Do you have big plans for the game tomorrow? I can’t stand football and don’t even know who’s playing in the game. But, I love the social aspect of the Super Bowl! We usually get together with a few friends to watch the game. I typically only pay attention to the half time show, which I’m pretty excited for this year. Lady Gaga always have some interesting surprises up her sleeve.

One thing I’ve learned about the Super Bowl: it’s just as much about the snacks as it is about the game. I make sure I never go empty handed to a party. Whether you’re watching at home or heading to a party to take in the game, here are some ideas for snacks to fuel you well past half time:

Appetizers

Two-ingredient creamy salsa dip

Southwest cheesecake

Everyday salad with homemade croutons

Creamy curry chip dip

Pimento cheese spread

Pepperoni pizza party bread

Parmesan truffle popcorn

Healthy almond butter banana bread

Game day salsa

Curried cashews

Ranch house cheese spread

Entrees

Slow-cooker pulled pork

Lightened-up beer chicken enchiladas

Slow-cooker pork carnitas

Chicago style hot dogs

Desserts

Lemon white chocolate rice krispie treats

The best banana cookies

Coconut citrus upside down cake

Double peanut butter oatmeal cookies

Drinks

Limoncello spritzer

Mint margarita slushie

Summertime sangria

The post Super Bowl Recipe Roundup appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.

It’s hard to believe 2016 is coming to a close. The year went by quickly and, while the past 12 months were filled with lots of fun and adventures, I feel ready for a new year. There’s something about an empty planner that feels refreshing and empowering.

I’ve learned over the years I prefer a laid back New Year’s Eve in over a night out on the town. We’ll be celebrating the holiday in Nashville with family when we head south to visit my brother and sister-in-law this weekend. We don’t have any concrete plans aside from munching on some delicious food and sipping some fancy cocktails … probably while wearing our pajamas. After all of the hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas, I welcome a relaxing night on the couch!

This Limoncello spritzer will be one of my contributions to our New Year’s Eve spread. James got me a bottle of Limoncello di Capri for Christmas because I’ve been complaining about how awful the American versions are that I’ve tried since our honeymoon — they don’t even come close to the homemade Limoncello I had while we boated around Capri. Limoncello from the Amalfi Coast gets its wonderful flavor from the famous lemons that grow in the region. James snagged an authentic, high-quality bottle at Eataly in Chicago and it was such a thoughtful gift.

Lemon is hands down my favorite flavor. I love incorporating the juice and zest into as many meals as possible. And citrus makes for the most refreshing cocktails. So, I’m a big fan of Limoncello.

The best Limoncello is strong, so the prosecco in this cocktail makes for a more subtle flavor. If you want to cut back on the amount of alcohol, you can substitute tonic water for the prosecco, which will give you a lemony twist on a traditional gin and tonic. Here’s to a wonderful end to 2016 and a 2017 full of endless opportunities!

Limoncello Spritzer

Makes one cocktail. 

[ingredients title=”Ingredients”]

• 1 oz. high-quality Limoncello
• 1 oz. gin
• 3 oz. prosecco
• Lemon peel or slice for garnish

[/ingredients]

[directions title=”Directions”]

1. Pour Limoncello and gin in a champagne flute and top with prosecco.

[/directions]

The post Limoncello Spritzer appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.

Hey, strangers! I’m sorry I disappeared on you this week. It’s been a hectic few days, to say the least. A bad system of storms rolled through Indiana Wednesday and I headed north to Kokomo to cover the aftermath. Dozens of homes were destroyed but, miraculously, no one was seriously injured. I had a late night putting together some stories and then had another late night the next day seeing the Dixie Chicks in concert in Indy. I was exhausted, but it was so worth it! They put on an absolutely amazing show. I’ve always loved their music and have had it on repeat since seeing them live.

Now we’re spending our Saturday getting ready to host our first party in our house! We’ve been working really hard to make the place feel put together and cozy and we can’t wait to break it in by having our friends over for food and drinks. I spent last night prepping to make today a little bit easier. We’ll have lots of appetizers, pineapple mint sangria, craft beer and this boozy lemonade.

This is by no means a light drink, but it’s easy to throw together and serves a crowd. And it’s the perfect cocktail to sip on humid summer nights. My mother-in-law gave me the recipe a couple of years ago, but I completely forgot about it until this week. I have a feeling it will be a hit with our guests!

The recipe calls for a can of beer and I would highly suggest using 21st Amendment Brewery’s Hell or High Watermelon if you can. It’s the hint of watermelon takes the flavor up a notch!

This lemonade can be served two ways: on the rocks or frozen. I think it’s great both ways! If you prefer a slushie, just pull the lemonade out of the freezer 20 minutes before serving and let it sit on the counter to thaw slightly.

Boozy Lemonade

[ingredients title=”Ingredients”]

• 12 oz. frozen lemonade concentrate
• 12 oz. vodka
• 12 oz. can wheat beer
• 2 liters lemon-lime soda
  [/ingredients]

[directions title=”Directions”]

1. Combine all ingredients in an oversized pitcher or large punch bowl. Refrigerate and serve on the rocks or freeze for boozy lemonade slushies.

[/directions]

The post Boozy Lemonade appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.