Superbowl!

My daughter was born in Portland, Maine and despite living 99% of her life to date in Virginia she considers herself a New Englander, so our house is in full swing preparing for tomorrow's game! E is a serious little chef and has put together a regionally appropriate menu for each team.

I'll be pitching in here and there but mostly will just be enjoying her culinary creativity! Here are a few of the recipes courtesy of my Mainer.

Pimento Cheese Bites Representing the Falcons

Ritz Crackers
Pimento Cheese
Crisp Bacon, each slice cut into pieces

Place a teaspoon of cheese topped with a piece of bacon onto each cracker.


New England Cranberry Kielbasa Bites Representing the Pats

13 ounce link of kielbasa, cut into 1/3-inch thick slices (yields about 42 slices)

1/2 cup pomegranate juice

1 Tablespoon ketchup

Tabasco to taste, plus extra for serving

Accompaniments

Ritz crackers

In a medium skillet, bring the pomegrante juice, ketchup, and a dash of Tabasco to a boil.  Boil for 2-3 minutes or until it becomes syrupy.  Add the sausage slices to the sauce and cook over high heat, turning the slices occasionally, until the mixture reduces almost completely and coats the sausage, about 2-3 minutes.  Serve with toothpicks or on top of Ritz crackers.  Enjoy!

Source: Adapted from Fast Food My Way, Jacques Pepin