Secular Holiday Season, and all about the food in two weeks?

Another football post. 

I was glad to see that the Ravens lost to the Chiefs; I'm not a huge Chiefs fan, but the Ravens have often proved, as an organization, to be all swagger and not a lot of substance. Good enough. The Lions-Niners game, while again, not featuring "my team," was a tale of two halves, as the announcers say. The Lions looked like they were going to make Detroit history--and then they didn't. I'm sad for their fans, because, until the last couple of decades, being a Pats fan was much the same. And while we are on that, it seems that the stretches of disappointment are back. Such is the lot of a New England sports fan. 

So, in two weeks, we'll make some food and gather around to watch the spectacle that is a uniquely American secular holiday: the Super Bowl. The years when the Patriots are playing, we also have plenty of food, but it goes largely uneaten, as we are glued to the game. The other years, the event is all about food. We don't go all out like we used to, and we won't have a house full of friends and family gathered around-- those years were a lot of fun, but people have moved on, moved away, or have passed away. I'll sort of plan a menu with Meg; it'll have wings, for sure. Maybe some hot pizza dip or some of that really awful but not-awful salsa/Velveeta goo. G always wants mini-weenies in sweet/sour sauce (gross). I'm happy enough with wings and probably chili? I dunno. Other people I know go big with their food: shrimp, and ribs, and venison steaks-- all awash in beer. It's a crazy event, but the food and drink industry gets a little boost, so I suppose that works in their favor.

For years, the Niners were my "back up" team-- back in the day with Joe Montana at the helm. More recently, I was sort of interested when they picked up Jimmy G. to be QB-- but he was not up to the task, or so it seemed. Probably not a good fit. And of course, Tom Brady grew up a Niners fan, patterning his early years on Montana. So, yay, they are in The Game. But I'm not invested in either team, so-- go, Red Teams.

Anyone else counting the days 'til Spring Training? 

Have a good one,

C