Super Sunday

Sunday, February 3, 2019...is 'Super Sunday.' Many TVs across America will be tuned into the game against the Patriots and Rams. The Patriots Belichick and Brady 'the GOATs?' against the Rams 'young guns' of Goff and McVay. Old against new.

Love them or hate them, there is no doubt that the Brady led Patriots, have been a title threat just about every year since 2002. There are views expressed on sports shows that say that 'they are tired of the Patriots every year.' However, I remember when the Patriots were the worst team in football for years (namely the 1980's). So, somewhere inside, I laugh every time I hear that. I am not a Patriots fan but I know someone in my family that is (and I give them 'props' for their allegiance during the 'low times.')

If some are not interested in the actual game, I suppose they will only pay attention during the commercials, halftime show, and some of the 4th quarter. That should be fine to anyone too, the game has become 'an event' and is more than just the game. Sometimes, spending time together is just 'the point' so I hope that is remembered during the gatherings, parties, restaurants, or where ever.

It has become a tradition to have 'snack style foods' available for the 'watching party.' Personally, I have really appreciated it when a variety of choices are available. This way, it is easier to make better choices, especially if you are vegetarian/vegan. If there is a menu for anyone, please include an option that excludes these items: meat-lard, cold cut meats, marrow, ground meat; dairy-eggs, cheese, milk; sugar-brown sugar, honey, sweet & low, diet items. Try this recipe as the item for anyone that needs this alternative food source - -

Portobello Mini Sandwiches (makes 4, if making more double this recipe)

4 slider buns, or wheat burger buns, toasted (no butter though, just make sure the pan is HOT and will toast) 2 large portobello mushrooms, sliced into thin strips a bag of mixed greens a white or red onion, sliced into rings

**Marinade 1/4 cup white wine or apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, crushed (or 1/4 cup minced garlic)

Mix together the ingredients for the marinade in a dish and submerge the portobello slices completely, allow mushrooms to marinade for 40-60 minutes. **Pesto (as spread for inner bread) 4-9 basil leaves, 1 tsp lemon juice, 5-8 whole walnuts, 1 tbsp olive oil, to taste=salt, pepper, and paprika

Place all ingredients in a Quisinart and blend about a minute or two to make a smoother spread.

*Cooking

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and reduce heat to low. Saute for 5-10 minutes until caramelized, remove onions and set aside in a bowl. Place mushrooms and the marinade into a hot pan, bring liquid to a simmer, heat until liquid is reduced and mushrooms are browned and cooked all the way through.

*Assembly

Spread the pesto on the bottom side of all the buns, put the greens on the bottoms of buns, then place portobello slices, and then top with onions, put the top bun on and boom, done! Have tomato slices, pickle slices, vegan cheese slices, and olive slices on the side for personalization of their sandwich.

This is a recipe that many can enjoy, and maybe those that aren't vegetarian. -As a side note, I went to my brother's baby shower, and there was not anything I could eat even though they had tons of food there. (I had bottled water and the last of the corn chips-not cool)...I wished there was an alternative that day, so hopefully that never happens for you. Enjoy. :)