On Sunday evening, the Eagles fans in my house will be glued to the television. Of course, I like to watch the Super Bowl, too, so I’m going to make most of the food ahead. I don’t actually mind hanging out in the kitchen a bit, making something like quesadillas to order, but I also think folks should be able to serve themselves and eat on the fly — during commercial breaks, on their laps, or even standing up. (No sit-down dinner on Superbowl night!)

I’ve done homemade pizzas with Vineyard toppings in the past. And chili is always a good idea. But my new thing is a mostly make-ahead taco and rice bowl bar (with optional quesadillas!).

To that end, I’ve developed two versatile fillings/toppings (beef and black bean) that get their flavor from a homemade chili spice paste. Making a paste by first “blooming” the spices and garlic in oil (photo on right) and then finishing with “toasted” tomato paste takes the raw edge off dried spices and makes a neat flavor package at the same time.

You can make the paste (left) ahead. Then spoon a few tablespoons of it and some water into a pan of cooked ground beef or a pot of drained canned black beans and simmer until reduced and saucy.

Those fillings can also be made ahead, refrigerated and reheated for serving.

On Super Bowl day, make a batch of Green Rice, a bowl of Jalapeño Pickles or Radish Pickles, a sheet pan of Quick-Roasted Butternut Squash, some sautéed peppers or onions, and perhaps some Quick Limey Slaw. Add bowls of shredded cheese, sliced scallions, sour cream or Limey Drizzling Sauce, cilantro and toasted pepitas. Double Cilantro Guacamole and Salsa Fresca would be welcome, too. Keep tortillas wrapped in foil warm in the oven, and let people make their own tacos or rice bowls as they please. Or fry up a few quesadillas to pass around.

If this idea doesn’t float your boat, I’d go for Baked Pasta with Tomato Cream, Sausage and Parmigiano. Maybe a double batch.

A combo of appetizers would also work for the game. How about Loaded Potato Nachos or Buffalo Cauliflower?

Stuffed Quahaugs or Deviled Eggs?

You’ll need sweets. And you'll want to be thinking ahead about Tuesday night if you plan to make something for your Valentine.

I think Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting or Abby’s Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies would be perfect to have around for the game.

For the game or Valentine’s Day, you can’t go wrong with this super easy Double-Chocolate Brownie Pudding Cake. But my Valentine has to have his Ultimate Flourless Chocolate Cake. 

We’ll return to healthy eating next week (I hope!). Until then, we’ll see you on Instagram @cookthevineyard. Be sure to follow us if you haven't already.