I grew up not really interested in football. Growing up in metro Atlanta, my parents would occasionally watch a few different types of big sports events such as the Braves winning the World Series in 1995 or the Falcons going to Super Bowl XXXIII. In high school I was a photographer for our school newspaper at the home football games, but we almost never won. My university got their first football team the year after I graduated. It was hard to develop a team devotion when I wasn’t surrounded by any die hard fans, traditions, superstitions, or part of a school with any winning teams.
Fast forward to 2009. I moved to Alabama and almost immediately was bombarded with inquiries about my favorite football team. I wasn’t sure how to answer, so I took my time watching. I was waiting tables for a couple of years and the restaurant where I worked would play both college and professional football games during the fall. I found myself becoming more interested not only in the sport, but in the community the fans seemed to have with each other.
Football season is now a cherished time of year in our household. I bond with my kids teaching them about the rules of the game and how to cheer on key players. I bond with my brother-in-law with teasing jokes about our opposing teams. I bond with new friends playing Fantasy Football. And at the center of it all is great food.
Football games and parties have allowed me to try new combinations of foods I never would have imagined otherwise. I have enjoyed creating new recipes such as Boudin Stuffed Jalapeños and Swamp Dogs for enjoying the game with others. This past year, our family traveled to New Orleans for me and my husband to attend the Saints first home game of the season. For that weekend vacation we all feasted on fresh seafood and local specialty dishes. Finding ways to maximize family time through the love of football and discovering new dishes is what makes this season my favorite! This year, I hope all of you find ways to connect with those you love and form new friendships by watching a football game and snacking on new creations.
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