The Big Game is a big deal in the Batali household. For game day, I love to serve what I call “team city iconic foods,” or classic dishes from the hometowns of the competing teams, alternating cities each quarter to keep things interesting and even. With one rule: Half time is always all about NYC!
I was especially excited to create this year’s menu because I've spent time researching classic regional dishes for my next cookbook, out in the fall of 2016; I'm looking forward to recreating some of these dishes for my guests on Sunday. And since this is the big 5-0, I turned it way up. This is my favorite menu yet, and like any good thing should, we're starting with desserts:
Denver Broncos: Double-Chocolate Pot Brownies
In honor of those Broncos, their crazy mile-high city, and their weed-friendly state, I’m offering a rocky mountain high option. (I’m actually making regular brownies but if you happen to be in Colorado or any other marijuana-friendly state, go for the add-in marked "Optional" in the ingredient list.)
Carolina Panthers: Chess Pie
What apple pie is to America, chess pie is to the South. It's sweet, sticky, and delicious. If you ask 100 North Carolinians how they make their chess pie, you'll probably get 100 different versions. That's the beauty of this dessert. There are no rules. Have fun with this one!
To see the entire menu, including Western North Carolina Pork Shoulder Barbecue and Shredded Midlands-Style Whole Hog Barbecue Sliders—and, of course, the New York half-time dishes—visit Mariobatali.com.
What will you be making this Game Day? Will you be baking with all of the brownie ingredients? Tell us in the comments below!
Written by: Mario Batali
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