Sweets for the Super Bowl

Are you rooting for Peyton Manning and the Colts this weekend, or Drew Brees and the Saints? Even if you’re one of the many viewers who tunes in to the Super Bowl just to see what million-dollar commercials, you’re probably going to want to stock up on snacks for the big game this weekend because it is one of the biggest party days of the year. The savory stuff, like chili, chips, dip and guacamole, are standards for Super Bowl parties and easy to come by. I’d like to focus on dessert a bit, since a nice sweet snack will finish off the 4th quarter on a high note, even if your team isn’t in the lead.

Indianapolis doesn’t have a signature dessert in the way that some other cities do, but if you don’t mind a New Orleans dessert at your party, Homemade Beignets – the powdered sugar dusted donuts so popular in the southern city – are a great party option. Fresh, hot donuts are sure to win over any football fan (or other party-goer). For Colts supporters, you might want to simply tint some icing and decorate some cookies or cupcakes in white and blue to show your team spirit. For instance, you can use Black and White Cookies, make a double batch of the white icing and dye half of it blue.

For a more directly football themed dessert, you should definitely try making Chocolate Football Cakes, which are like cupcakes in the shape of little footballs. They’re made from a sheet cake and glazed to give them a smooth, finished look. A Helmet-shaped or football-shaped pan can easily give you a full-sized cake to decorate in support of your favorite team.

Other good choices for a party are bite-sized desserts that will travel well and keep easily during the game. Brownies and blondies are always good options. Magic Bars offer something for everyone and are very easy to make. A batch of homemade S’mores Fudge is a nice choice, too, and can be made well in advance.