September 12, 2015
We’ve made it! It’s here!
Yes, we cheered through March Madness. We witnessed Curry bring the Warriors to a win. We saw finish lines crossed, by both horses and cars. We rejoiced when the ladies of the US brought home the World Cup. We are grateful sports fans. We really are.
But this. This is what we’ve waited for….NFL opening weekend. The season of the year when Sunday afternoon plans are set, emotions run wild, and children learn the importance of grit and loyalty.
Carolina Panthers Training Camp
They also learn how football food works. Start the season lightly. You snack, perhaps on chips or cookies or brownies. After all, you’ve just eaten a big Sunday lunch. As the season progresses, and more specifically, as your team progresses, so does the food. Night games call for pizza or subs….game food.
Playoffs take the menu to another level.
(Side note: I did order a nugget tray last season for a playoff game. I only did so after much hesitation. I was concerned I would jinx the team. We were over here eating Chick-fil-a nuggets trying to be calm and all. We needed them to play like it was a regular game. They lost. Order nugget trays with caution.)
It all builds to the Super Bowl when mama makes a spread to cover the kitchen counter. We’re talking meatballs, assorted dips, lots of things with cheese, and decorated cookie cakes.
So on Sunday, grab a snack and enjoy a game. I’m including a recipe for one of our favorite sweet and salty combinations. It typically wouldn’t make its way into the picture until later in the season, but hey, we’ve waited a long time for this weekend.
Current Panther Kicker Graham Gano and Future Kicker Cayson
Crunch Time Mix
5 cups Rice Chex cereal
2 cups Cheerios
1 ½ cups thin pretzel sticks
10 ounces M&Ms
12 ounces white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
In a large bowl, mix together cereal, cheerios, pretzels, and M&Ms.
Put chocolate chips and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until chips are melted and smooth.
Pour melted chocolate over chex mix, coating evenly.
Snack away!
**This recipe easily doubles for a game day crowd.
**Raisins and nuts can be added to a flavor boost.
**If you want to get sassy, add your team-colored M&Ms. Blue and black will look best…Go Panthers!
