New Year’s Day Football and Food
       
AUBURN, Dec. 18, 2003—As New Year's Day approaches, the thought of football thrills some and leaves 
others shaking their heads. 
       
Fans can't live by football alone.  The essential ingredient in every good bowl game party is food.  Snacks, 
munchies or full-blown meals are needed to supply the energy 
required to root your favorite teams to victory. 
	
Who is going to prepare all the food and miss part of the games?  To solve this problem, one must plan 
ahead, says Dr. Jean Weese, an Extension food safety scientist with the Alabama 
Cooperative Extension System. 
	
Non-perishable snacks such as chips, pretzels and vegetable sticks, can be placed at strategic locations 
around the room.  However, perishable foods, such as meats, poultry and  dips, need to be kept cold (below 
40 degrees) or hot (above 140 degrees) to remain safe.  Meatballs or buffalo wings can be kept hot in the 
oven or in a chafing dish. 
	
It's important to keep only a small portion out at a time and replenish as needed, says Weese.  The same 
holds true for deli meats.   Make small platters and keep them in the 
refrigerator until needed.  
	
By planning ahead, everyone can be there for every minute of the games and still enjoy safe, delicious 
snacks and meals.

SOURCE:  Dr. Jean Weese, Extension food safety scientist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 
(334)844-3269