Joe and I are continuing our tradition of making a team-based Super Bowl menu. But since I am out of town for the real Super Bowl, we celebrated during last weekend’s Pro Bowl.

I start thinking about food possibilities when there are still eight teams left in the running. What can I say? I love themed food parties. When we realized it was going to be Carolina v. Denver, our menu was already set and we were already hungry.

For the Panthers, it was an easy decision. BBQ.

Joe’s favorite is pulled pork, which has got to be the easiest meat recipe for any vegetarian to make. 2 lbs pork butt + 1 can of Root Beer + 7 hours in the slow cooker. Voila!

You are guaranteed to have a support group watching your every move when it’s ready.

Joe made his own Carolina-style BBQ sauce, too. It tasted like a zingy Arby’s sauce, so I obviously loved it.

1 c. ketchup + 1 c. apple cider vinegar + 1 c. dark brown sugar + dash of Worcestershire + chili powder + pepper. Bring to a boil, simmer for 30-40 minutes, cool to room temperature and chill.

Doesn’t get much better than this for Joe.

But since I needed something on the BBQ front to pair with my leftover tomato soup (wah-wah), I made The Pioneer Woman’s Quick Shells and Cheese.

Quick, indeed, and very yummy.

For the Broncos, I dug out my mom’s classic recipe for Cowboy Cookies.

A soft, buttery base with chocolate, cornflakes, coconut and oats. Nothing wrong with these.

They aren’t fancy, but isn’t that a pre-requisite of Super Bowl food? Just good and plentiful.

Just a few suggestions for your own parties this Sunday. Go Panthers!

Cowboy Cookies

1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
1/2 c. shortening, at room temperature
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature and beaten
1/2 Tbs. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 c. oats (old fashioned or quick)
1/2 c. coconut
1 c. cornflakes
3/4 c. chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350-degrees.

Cream butter, shortening and sugars together in electric mixer until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla and mix. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and add to the mixer while on low speed. Add oats, coconut, cornflakes and chocolate chips and mix by hand until just combined.

Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet and flatten slightly with your fingertips.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until light brown. Leave on baking sheet for 10 minutes for moving to rack to cool completely.