Post Super Bowl of Jambalaya

We are already a week into February. I can't believe how time flies. To think that spring officially begins in a little over a month is crazy- and fantastic. I hope that Punxatawney Phil keeps his promise this year and we have an early spring.

This past weekend was Super Bowl weekend- and the stakes were high with the Steelers playing the Packers. I was SO ready to revel in the glory of the Steelers 7th Championship, but it wasn't our year. The heartache was lessened by the fact that we still have 6 rings, and I have lived to see two championships. Hopefully the Stairway to Seven isn't too far away. I would like to keep our lead of most Super Bowl wins.

In 2009, I had the fortunate experience of going to Tampa to be in the middle of the Super Bowl madness when the Steelers last won (see pic left- Julie, Me, Lydia, and Megan upon arrival in Florida).

It was a crazy, fun, unforgettable time. Unfortunately, I couldn't get to Dallas this year, but Steve and I decided to throw our own party. We had a great bunch of friends join us. Our house was quite full, but I thin everyone had a good time.

I insisted on keeping the menu true to my Pittsburgh roots- and/or at least black and gold.
We had black & yellow bean dip- that is low fat and delicious! Recipe is below. Other apps included chicken ball pate; sausage dip, made by Julie; guacamole and pimento cheese double-dip; and pepperoni bread, made by Allison. Our main dish was actually mastered by Steve. I have to give him credit, he is far from a culinary whiz, but he delivered a recipe for pulled pork that was really yummy. We put a pork butt in the crock pot and poured over it 2 jars of pepporcinis & the juice. We let it cook for 12 hours. It was de-lish! We also had cheesey pierogi casserole and coleslaw. For dessert I made Paula Deen's banana split dessert. It was a huge hit! See all the recipes below.

Sadly, the Steelers didn't win, but being surrounded by such good company made it a little less painful- as did the 6-pack of blueberry beer I was drinking :)

Tonight is a bigger night for Steve. Duke plays UNC. I will be cheering for the Heels (after I attend my favorite weekly pilates class)Coincidentally, my Gram happens to be a huge Duke fan thus fostering a great little rivalry between them. Of course it's all in good fun- however Steve really does have an unhealthy hatred for the Blue Devils. He downplays it well as not to scare my eighty year old Gram.

Speaking of Gram, she successfully went through having a pacemaker put in last week. Even though it's a fairly routine procedure, it was scary. She was in good hands of great surgeons, and God of course! Our prayers were answered and after staying one night she is back home and resting. Thank you, Jesus for your care taking!

Next Thursday Steve and I leave for New Orleans. I did some online searching today and I am super stoked for it. The food, the history, the jazz- oh man! I predict falling in love with this place. I am a fierce travel planner and I am debating whether to book tours before we get there, or wait and feel it out. My overly prepared side is of course chomping at the bit to call and make reservations, but my rational side is telling me it isn't necessary. Let's see how long I can hold off before I give in and get planning.

Another item on my to-do plate is the selling of my car. It marks the end of an era. My little Honda coupe has been a faithful companion since I graduated college, but the time has come to say goodbye. Steve has two cars and has offered to let me adopt the 4-Runner while he drives his Honda that is paid off. I will miss La-Fonda (named after a Napoleon Dynamite character), but I am hoping to score $6000 or so for her. That will be a nice little nest egg for us to use in the months ahead.

Well, Mabel is harassing Cody and I had better break it up. Below are the aforementioned promised recipes...

Banana split dessert

Pierogi Casserole (see pic of my casserole of champions

Black and yellow Salsa

1 20 oz can black beans- rinsed, drained, and slightly mashed

1/2 c. canned corn

1/3 cup salsa

1/4 c water

2 tablespoons of chili powder

1/2 c shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese

green chiles- to taste

Combine first five ingredients in small baking dish. Cover with cheese- and place chiles on top as you would like. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.