football vs. fútbol

This weekend is Super Bowl Sunday!  Some of you will be there for the game - rooting on your team (or the one you’ve got money on).  Some of you are just in it for the commercials.  Others love the halftime show, and a lot of people are just in it for the snacks.  It’s me.  I’m people.  Of course, as with many things, this Super Bowl will be a little different.  But, there’s still a game being played, and, according to the guys at Nielsen, about 47% of the population is expected to watch.  And eat snacks.

Those same guys at Nielsen, however, say that nearly 44% of you are actually watching soccer over football, and that’s pretty incredible.  The numbers for Major League Soccer (MLS) viewership have only increased over the last 4 years; likewise, the average attendance (in the Before Times) at MLS games was slightly higher than that of both the NHL and the NBA! Which begs the question: how many of you prefer fútbol to football?

If it’s as many as the numbers indicate, Huckleberry has great news!  We recently connected with Champions Travel, a supplier in the UK specializing in Premier League Soccer excursions and events.  Yes, that’s right. We can create a luxury sports trip to see your favorite teams across the globe.  Manchester U at Wembley?  We’ve got your tickets!  FC Barcelona on their home turf?  How do seats in a suite sound?  Working with Champions Travel gives us access to industry leading product range and the most exclusive day-of-match amenities, which we’re obviously excited to pass on to you -  all our soccer loving travelers!

So when the time is right, let Huckleberry Travel plan that bucket list style trip to see your favorite team.  Stadiums will open again, and when they do, whether it’s Arsenal or Liverpool, we’re here to make sure you don’t miss a minute of the action!  Oh, and if you’re more interested in the other football?  Well, we can do that, too.  

Until then, head on back to that “little” game being played in Tampa (go Chiefs!)...or dig into one of our favorite snacks: Buffalo Chicken Crack Dip!

Ingredients:

5 boneless skinless chicken breasts

12 oz. jar of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce (you choose the spicy level)

8oz of cream cheese (brought to room temperature)

1 jar of Blue Cheese dressing (the kind from the refrigerated section is best - Marie’s is good)

8oz+ of shredded Swiss cheese

3-4 stalks of celery - washed and leaves removed (at least ¾ cup diced)

Prep:

Cook chicken breasts by boiling for 20 minutes (if you like a good hack, here’s #1 - use rotisserie chicken breasts that are cooked fresh - from the deli/butcher).  Shred them and place shreds in a large Ziploc freezer bag with a good seal.  Add the entire bottle of Frank’s to the chicken breasts, make sure all the chicken is covered. Let sit at least an hour.  (Hack #2 - do this part a day before for a better flavor, do it several days before and freeze in the bag for when you have a craving - just defrost in the fridge the day before.)

Dice the celery so that you have at least ¾ cup.  

Mix cream cheese, Blue Cheese dressing, and shredded Swiss together until well blended.  (Hack #3, use more (or, if you’re watching your cheese intake - reserve some) shredded Swiss to top the dip before baking.)

Spread chicken and sauce mixture over the bottom of a 13X9 baking dish (glass works best/but non-stick is okay, too).  Then, sprinkle the celery over the chicken.  Spread the cheese mixture over the top of all. (Here’s where you can add a little reserved (or more) shredded Swiss on top.)

Bake at 350⁰ for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly.  Serve with crackers, more celery, or tortilla chips.  (Hack #4? Many say Pita Chips and Wheat Thins are the best accompaniment, I think it’s pretty good on a spoon.)  Reheat small portions in the oven!