The Superbowl: Wings, beer, and....cheesecake?

Now that the confetti has settled and sweat-soaked jerseys are hung up to dry, I can finally sit down, relax, and share with you my not-so-typical Superbowl Sunday.


Normally, my Superbowl parties consists of the usual -- fried chicken, wings, pizza, chips & dip, and lots and lots of ice cold Blue Moon beer with wedges of oranges -- with the guys huddled around and screaming at my 70-inch flat screen while the girlfriends are in the back complaining about how they don't understand what the big deal is about football while NIBBLING on a chip.  For most of them, they only watch along to see buff men in tights bend over.  Despite the differences, there is only one thing that brings us all together -- the commercials.  However, after coming across this blog from the New York Times, Crumpets and Marmalade on Superbowl Sunday, I was determined to change that...food wise that is.


This year, I kept the wings, pizza and beer for the guys, but made a few healthier substitutions that both the girls and guys would enjoy.  For starters, I bought some good ole Thatcher's air-popped popcorn in Tiramisu/Cappuccino flavor...which everyone couldn't get their hands off of as they were waiting for the kickoff.  


Next I made baked some sliced french bread with a splash of extra virgin olive oil.  After 5 minutes or so in the oven, I added on some pesto sauce and sliced cherry tomatoes and broiled it in the oven for another 5 minutes.  When they were done, golden and crispy, I sprinkled half the batch with bacon pieces.  Let's just say, those were wayyy gone before the first quarter was up.


As half time came around, I whipped out my homemade bite-size strawberry cheesecakes.  I was amazed how fast these were being devoured.  Most of it was gone by the time Usher jumped over Will.I.Am and landed with splits...I had to whip up another batch.


For the first time, both the guys and girls were huddled around the T.V. ...together!  Some of the girlfriends were even asking about what a down is.  Of course, their boyfriends were too busy watching to be explaining the game...so I stepped in and did the best I could.  By the end of the fourth quarter, the girls were rooting on with the boys and their respective teams.  Not to mention, they were chowing down the cheesecake like water.  Who knew these almost-grown men would be so willing to stuff their faces with these dainty, girly-looking cheesecakes.


I must say, with the Packers winning, my boyfriend winning $200 and my mission to unite the boys and girls accomplished...it was, indeed, a successful night!


I'll leave you now with a quick and easy recipe of the cheesecake from last night.  Enjoy! :)

This recipe makes about 12 full size cupcake cheesecakes or about 30 mini cheesecakes.
What You'll Need:
2 Packages of 8oz Fat-Free Soft Cream Cheese
1/3 Cup Splenda
1/4 Cup Sugar
Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1 Egg beaten
1/4 Cup Egg Substitute
12 Mini Vanilla Wafers (I like Nilla)
Fruit Cake/Pastry Filling of your choice


The Fun Part!
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth
2. Gradually beat in sugar and sugar substitute
3. Add Vanilla
4. Add egg and egg substitute.  Beat till blended.
5. Place a vanilla wafer, flat side down, in a foil-lined muffin cup or mini muffin cup.
6. Fill right below edge with cream cheese mix. 
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.  (The mixture will puff so don't freak out)
8. Cool for about an hour.  The centers will sink in a little.
9. Fill the centers of cheesecakes with the fruit filling.
10. Store in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.


Storage:
Store leftover cheesecake in a sealed container in the fridge. 


P.S.
Since this blog is dedicated to all things sweet...here is a pretty sweet commercial from last year's Superbowl 44