Appetizers for the Angels

I am such a faker--- sitting here watching the 12th inning (yes, for those who are not familiar with baseball, there are only supposed to be nine) of a division series game (again, for non-sports types, this game is a big deal), and I'm not actually cooking. Or doing much of anything except hanging with the dog. But let's pretend I am hosting a raging down-home cold beers and greasy chips shin-dig. Here are a few key ingredients. Different from my typical recipie post-- I'll get back to that for the next blog.

Must Have #1. Something that is totally related to the game and super cheesy. My Seal Beach crowd would be the best example of this. I remember Matt and Eddie with probably a full roll of scotch tape and two colors of streamers, and decorating the entire room with their team colors. It was football. Don't remember the team of course. But it was horrible. And fun.

Must Have #2. Cold drinks. Depending on the crowd and the vibe, this may be a cold keg (water down your ice around the keg to keep it super-cold), a fridge full of options, or a wild punch creation. Remind everyone as they are invited and again as they come into your house: those who drink do not drive.

Must Have #3. Food! This is my favorite part. The strategy: don't miss the game and don't miss the fun. Prepare things ahead. Make them accessible and easy to eat. Bring out something after the 7th inning stretch that is new. I like to ask everyone to bring something. You'll get dips and chips, mostly. So prepare a crock pot of meatballs or weiners. Kick out some chili and accessories. Just remember-- we're here for the game.