If your household is anything like mine, it feels like football is the only thing going on these days. We’ve got Badger games on Saturdays, Packer games on Sundays and all of these games – college or pro – require the same thing. Football food.

Football food is special, a little naughty and oh so fun to eat at 11am with a bloody mary or mimosa. If it is a big game and we are watching it at home with friends there are a couple required things on the football spread:

• Cheese and lots of it! (I mentioned that the Badgers & Packers are Wisconsin sports, right?)
• Crackers/bread
• Dips
• Veggies!
• Meat/something substantial: typically something like frozen meatballs that are easily prepared
• Drinks: Bloody Mary’s, beer, fun cocktail or mimosas

Football Food Recipe Ideas:

• Guacamole Bar
• Roasted Garlic Hummus
• Roasted Vegetable Cheese Spread
• Black Bean & Corn Relish
• Deviled Egg Spread
• Pimento Cheese
• Spring Rolls
• Chicken Satay with Coconut-Peanut Sauce
• Heirloom Tomato Bloody Mary

What do you eat on Game Day?

As I prepare for my upcoming trip to Haiti, I am constantly reminded of how rich my life is.

I’ve got a warm surrounding of family, friends, a fiance and of course my “Internet friends.” I’ve got more than enough food and even though I rarely, ok never, feel like I’m swimming in money, I certainly have enough money to live a rich life. I can visit fancy food stores, try new restaurants and buy new clothes. I consider these things part of my rich life.

But lately, every time I turn to purchase something, I’m reminded of those who don’t have what I have. And while my feelings should be grateful, they are often full of guilt. It is hard to balance life here and my trips there. Hard to feel ok about spending one week there and returning home to my cozy life here.

It is feelings like these, that make me crave the simple meals and foods like the ones I had in Haiti. No truffle oil, no smoked pork chops – just some noodles, a little bit of Parmesan and a lot of pepper.

Black Pepper & Parmesan Pasta - 1 serving

• 1 serving whole grain pasta
• 1 tsp olive oil
• salt & pepper
• fresh Parmesan

Prepare pasta as directed.

Drizzle olive oil over pasta and season with salt & pepper, topping with fresh Parmesan.