The Best Super Bowl Snacks!

Time to get fired up for the Super Bowl! We're expecting a great game between the Packers and Steelers, but we're sure we'll be eating and drinking well. People look forward to Super Bowl snacking nearly as much as the Game and the Commercials.

Last week we highlighted recipes from Pittsburgh and Wisconsin to honor the culinary roots of the teams vying for the Lombardi Trophy. This week we're going to focus on classic football snacks- the game just wouldn't be the same without Hot Wings, Chips & Salsa, 7-Layer Dip, Pizza, Sausages, and Ice Cold Beer.

To match the action and excitement on the football field, we powered up the FoodPair search engine and assembled the best starting line-up of Super Bowl snacks.

Nachos
Everyone loves digging in to a whole mess of nachos.
Ingredients in this recipe: cilantro, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, salsa, refried beans, pickled jalapeno peppers, tortilla chips, guacamole

BBQ Central Smoky & Sweet Wings
Sweet and spicy wings are a Super Bowl classic.
Ingredients in this recipe: chicken wings, paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, cayenne powder, garlic powder

7-Layer Bean Dip
It's always fun to see how many layers you can get with each chip.
Ingredients in this recipe: tomato, avocado, bacon, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, salt, refried beans, chili powder, cumin powder, pickled jalapeno peppers, black olive

Italian Sausage Meatball Heroes
You can't go wrong with these sausage parm sandwiches.
Ingredients in this recipe: basil, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian sausage, Italian parsley, marinara sauce, baguette

Caramelized Onion Pizza with Mushrooms
Pizza can be topped with your guests' favorite foods.
Ingredients in this recipe: olive oil, onion, cremini mushrooms, Boursin, pizza dough

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Finish off the fest with delicious cookies (don't forget the ice cream!)
Ingredients in this recipe: egg, butter, sugar, salt, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, baking soda, semi-sweet chocolate, dark brown sugar



Let's get cooking!

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Super Bowl Spotlight: the Pittsburgh Steelers

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers who just won their way into Super Bowl XLV! (If you know that's Super Bowl 45, one bonus point!)

The Steelers won their last Super Bowl two years ago and are looking for more hardware to add to the trophy case of the NFL's most decorated franchise. They have already won 6 Super Bowls and 8 Conference Championships, more than any other team in the league. The team is still owned by the Rooney Family who founded the team in 1933.

How have the Steelers and their fans summoned the strength to be a perennial powerhouse in the hard-hitting NFL? With some of the best and heartiest food in the country, that's how. Pittsburgh is home to some iconic American food brands, ranging from Heinz Ketchup, to Clark Bars, Klondike Bars, Isaly's Chipped Ham and Iron City Beer. Pittsburgh also has some serious sandwich cred- the open-faced turkey sandwich, aka the Devonshire, was invented here and so was the all-in-one sandwich with french fries and slaw from Primanti Brothers.

To find the best recipes in honor of the Steelers' Super Bowl run, we powered up the FoodPair search engine and found some great options celebrating the best of Pittsburgh.

Hot Turkey Sandwiches with Sherry Gravy
The open-faced turkey sandwich debuted in Pittsburgh in 1936.
Ingredients in this recipe: scallion, butter, sage, all-purpose flour, sherry, chicken broth, sourdough bread, turkey breast

Sweet-Hot BBQ Tater Fries
Enjoy these fries Steelers-style with Heinz Ketchup or on a sandwich!
Ingredients in this recipe: olive oil, rosemary, brown sugar, yam (or baking potato), cayenne pepper, garlic powder

Smoked Ham Sandwiches with Marinated Peppers & Onions
Celebrate Pittsburgh's ham tradition with a great sandwich.
Ingredients in this recipe: garlic, dried oregano, green bell pepper, Cheddar cheese, sherry vinegar, yellow bell pepper, white onion, baguette, provolone cheese, smoked ham, green leaf lettuce, whole grain mustard

Chocolate-Peppermint Ice Cream Cake
This is like a Klondike Bar, just with peppermint and super-sized!
Ingredients in this recipe: chocolate, butter, whipping cream, bittersweet chocolate, light corn syrup, peppermint extract, peppermint candy, vanilla ice cream, chocolate wafer cookies


Let's get cooking!

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Super Bowl Spotlight: the Green Bay Packers

Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers who just won their way into Super Bowl XLV! (That's #45 for the non-math majors)

The Packers are the NFL's second oldest franchise and have an incredibly loyal following of Cheeseheads. Calling them Cheeseheads started as an insult, but was soon embraced by the fans. Despite having the smallest local market, the Packers are one of the most popular teams in the league and have sold out every game at Lambeau Field since 1960.

How do the Packers and their fans survive all those cold weather games in Green Bay? With some of the best rib-sticking food in the country, that's how. As you'd expect from Cheeseheads, the Packers love their cheese, especially Colby, a Wisconsin invention, and Cheddar. Wisconsin also has strong German roots, so no visit to Green Bay would be complete without some tasty Bratwurst washed down with a fresh beer. For dessert, they eat plenty of Danish Kringle, a sweet pastry filled with anything from raspberry to apple to chocolate.

To find the best recipes in honor of Green Bay's Super Bowl run, we powered up the FoodPair search engine and found some great options celebrating the best of Wisconsin.

Cheesy Bread
Wisconsin cheddar adds bite to this cheesy snack.
Ingredients in this recipe: Cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, scallion, butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, French bread

Potato Skins with Cheddar and Bacon
Cheesy potato skins are a great Super Bowl treat.
Ingredients in this recipe: Cheddar cheese, bacon, shallot, butter, parsley salt, black pepper, milk, baking potato

Bratwurst Bites with Beer & Horseradish Mustard
These delicious sausage bites will be gone by halftime.
Ingredients in this recipe: mustard, sugar, sage, mace, black pepper, kosher salt, coriander powder, beer, rye bread, pork fat, pork ribs

Beer-Poached Grilled Sausages
Another great sausage & beer combination to celebrate Green Bay!
Ingredients in this recipe: garlic, onion, vegetable oil, beer, chicken sausage


Let's get cooking!

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The Perfect Cup of Coffee

We all need water to survive, but nearly all of us need coffee as well. The tasty, caffeine-infused beverage is the third most popular drink on earth, falling in line just behind water and tea. The early morning jolt people get from coffee fuels work around the globe and helps get things done.

Spurred by the growth of Starbucks and other mega-chains, there's now a place to buy coffee on nearly every corner and we've grown accustomed to drinking flavorful coffee anytime the urge strikes. While many people have their favorite coffee shop where they know all the employees, brewing great coffee at home is easier and cheaper than you think. With the right tools & techniques, you can give the big boys a run for their money when it comes to flavor and convenience.

So, without further ado, FoodPair is pleased to present our tips for making the perfect cup of coffee:

1. The Coffee Beans

In the same way that great wine comes from great grapes, a great cup of coffee starts with quality beans. We recommend heading to your favorite local coffee roaster and picking out beans to suit your taste. Tell them what you like or find your favorite by trial and error. When buying from a grocery store, look for Arabica beans, which experts say have the best flavor of commercially grown coffees.

Another key is to make sure the coffee is fresh, so don't buy more than you need each week and store the beans in an air-tight container away from direct sunlight.

2. Get a Coffee Grinder

Grinding your beans fresh every day releases the most flavor. While it's best to grind to the consistency recommended on your coffee maker, the finer the grind, the more flavor the beans will release. You'll need about 2 tablespoons of coffee per cup. Home coffee grinders are affordable- most sell for around $20 and are worth every penny.

3. Use Filtered Water

Since water is the other major component of coffee, it's important not to neglect it. While water from the tap is fine, purified water is better for flavor. So, fire up that Brita or use any filtered water you have on hand.

4. Pay Attention to Temperature

The ideal temperature for brewing coffee is just short of boiling, so aim for 200 to 210 Fahrenheit or 95 to 98 Celsius.

5. Brew it and Stir it

It's important to make sure all your coffee tools are clean before each use, especially the filter. We use unbleached filters and make sure to wet them before each use to remove any dust from the packaging.

Also, once the coffee is brewed, give the pot a quick stir to infuse the flavors. At one of our favorite coffee shops they add an extra step: using two cups for each coffee, they pour each cup of coffee back and forth a couple times to aerate it. This helps remove bitterness and mellow the coffee's flavor.

We're confident that with the right techniques, you'll be making the perfect cup of coffee in no time!

Any other favorite ingredients or dishes you'd like us to highlight? Post them in the comments section or on our Facebook page! And while you're at it, "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get helpful updates in your news feed.

Say Cheese!

Cheese is one of those fantastic foods that's delicious on its own and pairs well with nearly everything. Most of us feel in love with cheese after that first bite of pizza or a juicy cheeseburger. Granted, those are still some of our favorite comfort foods, but we now know you can get great and exotic cheeses at most markets.

Cheese is a fascinating food that people have been making for centuries. By adding a culturing agent like acid or rennet to milk, you can make cheese quickly and easily. Best of all, cheese is amazingly customizable- it can be made from cow, sheep or goat milk and you can add any herbs and spices you like. Cheese pairs well with bread, fruit, meat and is also great on its own. There are far too many great options to name, but some of our favorites are creamy Brie, sharp Cheddar and nutty Manchego.

To find the best cheesy recipes from across the Web, we powered up the FoodPair search engine and found some great options for every course of your next meal.

Fresh Cheese
There's nothing as satisfying or fun as making food from scratch!
Ingredients in this recipe: salt, Greek yogurt

Walnut Toasts with Fig Jam and Manchego
Start your next party with these tasty toasts.
Ingredients in this recipe: Manchego cheese, fig jam, walnut bread

Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese & Peppered Honey
Another great cheesy appetizer.
Ingredients in this recipe: fig, goat cheese, honey, black pepper

Porterhouse Steaks with Arugula & Parmesan
This great pairing takes Porterhouse to the highest level.
Ingredients in this recipe: arugula, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Porterhouse steak

Blender Cheese Souffles
Try this delicious cheesy side dish tonight.
Ingredients in this recipe: garlic, egg, butter, milk, sourdough bread, sharp Cheddar cheese

Balsamic Strawberries with Whipped Mascarpone
Even dessert tastes better with a little cheese.
Ingredients in this recipe: balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, strawberry, sugar, mascarpone, vanilla extract, whipping cream



Let's get cooking!

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Thai One On!

Every couple months we feel the urge to go on a Thai food bender. There's something about the beautiful simplicity of Pad Thai and Curry (whether Red, Yellow or Green) that makes us march back to our favorite Thai restaurants again and again and again.

We always thought Thai food was too complicated to make at home. Surprise, surprise, that's not the case. Recipes, like the ones below, contain plenty of great tips and shortcuts. Cooking great Thai food is all about assembling and chopping the ingredients beforehand (chefs use the French term, mise en place) so you can add them to the dish in rapid succession. Plus, tons of great Thai products are available at grocery stores across the country.

To find the best Thai recipes from across the Web, we powered up the FoodPair search engine and found some great options that are tasty and versatile from great sites like Steamy Kitchen, Cookstr and Epicurious.

Crab and Fuji Apple Salad with Thai Dressing
Start your meal with a light & refreshing Thai salad.
Ingredients in this recipe: crab, mint, sugar, black pepper, sea salt, lime juice, rice vinegar, chili, Fuji apple, fish sauce, salad greens

Pad Thai
Always popular- because it's always delicious!
Ingredients in this recipe: cilantro, lime, shrimp, egg, scallion, shallot, peanut, sugar, bean sprouts, vegetable oil, lime juice, oyster sauce, red chile pepper, fish sauce, rice noodles

10 Minute Shrimp and Mushroom Thai Curry
Now you can make a great curry in only 10 minutes.
Ingredients in this recipe: basil, shrimp, mushrooms, rice, red bell pepper, coconut milk, red curry paste, cooking oil

Thai Curry Beef Skewers
Another simple & delicious Thai dish.
Ingredients in this recipe: honey, red onion, brown sugar, soy sauce, top sirloin, lime juice, red curry paste, canned pineapple, cooking oil

Tofu with Zucchini, Bell Pepper and Lime
Thai cuisine has plenty of great vegetarian dishes.
Ingredients in this recipe: basil, zucchini, ginger, red bell pepper, tofu, soy sauce, coconut milk, lime juice, peanut oil, red curry paste

Mango Pudding
Finish off your meal with a great dessert.
Ingredients in this recipe: mango, sugar, water, gelatin, evaporated milk



Let's get cooking!

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Dig into Seasonal Root Vegetables!

Root vegetables are hearty, healthy and in season right now. Though many of us are unfamiliar with popular root veggies like the parsnip, rutabaga and turnip, they're all easy to prepare and delicious when glazed and roasted. They're also perfect additions to soups and stews.

Parsnips are close relatives to carrots, but are lighter in color and sweeter when cooked. Parsnips thrive in colder climates and the Ancient Romans found that the further north they brought the parsnip, the larger it grew. When it comes to nutrition, parsnips are richer in vitamins and minerals than carrots and have particularly high levels of Potassium and Fiber.

The rutabaga is a cross between cabbage and turnips. Rutabagas originated in Scandinavia and Russia and are commonly eaten mashed, in stews, or as a side dish. Nutritionally, rutabagas have a ton of Vitamin C, Folate and Fiber.

Turnips are a popular root vegetable eaten across the world. Best of all, the tops a.k.a. turnip greens are also a tasty side dish popular in the UK and Southeastern US. While the bulbs are high in Vitamin C, the tops are a good source of Vitamin A, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Calcium

To find the best seasonal dishes featuring root veggies, we powered up the FoodPair search engine and found some great options that are tasty and easy to make.

Rutabaga and Carrot Puree
A tasty break from all those mashed potatoes.
Ingredients in this recipe: butter, carrot, brown sugar, kosher salt, rutabaga

Glazed Root Vegetables
Did you know you could boil root veggies in under 10 minutes?
Ingredients in this recipe: honey, butter, turnip, water, kosher salt, rutabaga, Italian parsley

Cider-Glazed Root Vegetables
It's also easy to roast root veggies in the oven.
Ingredients in this recipe: butter, carrot, parsley, brandy, apple cider, parsnips, rutabaga

Turnip Greens
Don't forget, the green turnip tops are a Southern delicacy.
Ingredients in this recipe: sugar, turnip, salt, water, salt pork, margarine

Dad's Turkey Stew
Root veggies flavor this hearty turkey stew.
Ingredients in this recipe: olive oil, carrot, turnip, celery, salt, black pepper, vegetable stock, herbs, yellow onion, potatoes, turkey thigh, rutabaga

Roasted Rib Eye with Herbed-Mustard Sauce & Root Vegetables
Root veggies are great alongside a juicy steak.
Ingredients in this recipe: olive oil, mustard, carrot, turnip, pearl onion, rutabaga, ribeye steak


Time to start digging up those root veggies and giving them a chance to shine!

Any other favorite ingredients or dishes you'd like us to highlight? Post them in the comments section or on our Facebook page! And while you're at it, "Like" us on Facebook to get helpful updates in your news feed.

Seafood fit for a King!

Did you know that boatloads of fresh seafood are in-season right now? That means there's no better time to assemble a seafood feast that would make Poseidon blush. The best part is that cooking seafood is easy. Seriously!

Today we'll focus on crab and scallops. Both are a cinch to prepare once you know how. And, if you don't feel like starting crab from scratch, plenty of markets do the dirty work for you by cooking and picking the meat. Just make sure to pick up containers of crab that are as fresh as possible.

For crab, boiling them is the easy way to go. The largest crabs, weighing up to 2 lbs. each need about 15 to 20 minutes to cook, whereas smaller crabs will be done in 8 to 10 minutes. If you're starting with live crabs, safety isn't really an issue, so it's just a matter of doneness. When you're buying the crabs, don't be shy- ask your grocer for cooking tips. If you're more of a fan of oven-roasting, that's easy too. Pre-heat the oven to 500 degrees and roast the crab for approximately 10 to 12 minutes until it's done. The fun is crushing the shells with a mallet and picking out the meat. Get the whole family involved!

For scallops, the process is even easier. Try to start with scallops that haven't been frozen. The first key: pat them dry! Then, season with salt & pepper. The second key: add them to a very hot pan that's been coated with butter or oil. Only with a hot pan and relatively dry scallop will you get that great sear you see in restaurants. The scallops will only need 2 to 3 minutes per side and they're done!

To find the best dishes for your crab and scallop seafood feast, we powered up the FoodPair search engine and found some great dishes to help you get started.

Crab Salad with Mango Dressing
A light salad that highlights the flavor of fresh crab.
Ingredients in this recipe: avocado, cilantro, mango, olive oil, crab, mint, shallot, lime juice, lime zest, salad greens

Linguine with Chilli Crab and Watercress
A delicious and savory pasta dish.
Ingredients in this recipe: garlic, olive oil, crab, lemon juice, parsley, watercress, lemon zest, sea salt, linguine, red chile pepper

Thai Crab Cakes
Everyone will love these thai-inspired crab cakes.
Ingredients in this recipe: crab, egg, green beans, chive, kaffir lime, all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, red chile pepper, fish sauce

Seared Scallops with Tarragon Butter Sauce
You know everything tastes better in a butter sauce.
Ingredients in this recipe: scallops, shallot, butter, tarragon, white wine vinegar, white wine

Seared Curried Scallops with Zucchini
Another great Asian-inspired seafood dish.
Ingredients in this recipe: garlic, lime, scallops, zucchini, ginger, curry, vegetable oil

Platter of Roasted Shellfish with a Trio of Sauces
For a family-style feast you'll never forget.
Ingredients in this recipe: lemon, olive oil, crab, lobster, scallops, shallot, water, lemon peel, Italian parsley, jumbo shrimp


Time to start feasting on fresh seafood, so let's get cooking!

Any other favorite ingredients or dishes you'd like us to highlight? Post them in the comments section or on our Facebook page! And while you're at it, "Like" us on Facebook to get helpful updates in your news feed.

Make your New Year's Resolutions a Reality

We all made plenty of New Year's Resolutions for 2011 and it's never too early to start crossing things off the list. Many of you told us that you'd like to cook more this year. Good news: we're excited to help you out!

But, before you start trying to make a pro-style Dark Chocolate-Lime Souffle or simple & hearty dish of Italian Sausage with Red Grapes, let's get back to basics and make sure we have what we need to turn resolutions into reality. The way we see it, there are two essentials: a simple plan and good tools.

1. A Simple Plan

It's tough to complete any project when the goal is unclear, so the first thing to do is Pick a Project for 2011. Perhaps you want to master the cuisine of your favorite country, like Thailand, Italy or India. Perhaps you want to learn different ways to cook your favorite food, like Steak, Eggs or Scallops. Or maybe you want to perfect a specific dish, like Chicken Cacciatore or Pork Schnitzel.

Once you choose a plan, fire up the FoodPair search engine to find plenty of great recipes. For every search you do, the results start with the recipe with the fewest ingredients, which is always a great place to start!

2. Get Good Knives

Every good chef has a set of good, sharp knives. While there's no need to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on a set (or a single knife) you should have three key knives: a chef's knife, a serrated knife and a paring knife.

A chef's knife is a general purpose knife for chopping and slicing. There are a ton of great options available in stores and online, especially French, German and Japanese santoku knives. Check out a couple and pick the one you like best.

Serrated knives are best for cutting tomatoes and bread, basically things with a a tough exterior and soft interior. Paring knives are small with a straight blade and are best for intricate work like peeling fruit, creating a garnish, or de-veining shrimp.

3. Buy a Meat Thermometer

If you watch any food television or read any restaurant reviews, you know the key to good food is cooking things properly. Professional chefs sometimes can (and sometimes can't) tell whether a dish is done by look & feel, but the rest of us aren't as skilled. The best way to alleviate the stress of knowing whether something is done and avoid the gashes from continually cutting into meat is to use a meat thermometer. Most models are cheap and effective, with digital readouts and settings for different meats. Grab one today- you'll be happy you did.

We're confident that with the right tools and a good plan you'll be cooking like a pro in no time!

Any other favorite ingredients or dishes you'd like us to highlight? Post them in the comments section or on our Facebook page! And while you're at it, "Like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get helpful updates in your news feed.