The idea of super bowl Sunday usually evokes the anticipation of great company, great food and great drinks. We party on that day as if Monday is not mere hours away. What about the parents who have the responsibility of getting their children to bed a decent hour? We have a solution. Make the evening kid –friendly during the prep process and serving of the food. Include them, therefore when its time for them to retire typically much before the festivities retires. They fill fulfilled and apart. Catalyst has some cool kid friendly menu suggestions and fun ways to serve them:

Depending on the age of the children they can assist wit peeling, chopping measuring etc.

Main Course- has them help make their own individual potpies or Mac &cheese. In ramekins, small oven safe glass dishes. The kids will enjoy can filling them with all sort of great, different items i.e., sundried tomatoes, bacon bits, petite shrimp, cauliflower, etc. Kids love to feel special.

Tasters- taking your favorite burger recipe and make patties to fit perfectly into slider size buns. With small variety of unique fixings on the side. Add food coloring to ketchup, make it interesting. Swiss cheese from the deli (yes with the holes), etc.

Drinks- Kids version of the famous black and tan beer. Make separately a chocolate shake and vanilla shake. Making sure to add less milk and little more malt to the chocolate. Needing a thicker consistency for the layering to work. Layer the chocolate shake on the bottom half of an Irish coffee mug or classic coca-cola glass and top with the vanilla milkshake. May want to place glass with first layer in freezer for 15 additional minutes, allows time to set firmer prior to layering. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or chocolate covered malt ball. (This can also be used as a dessert) Healthy version of drink is to use fresh fruit and yogurt. Mimic the official colors of the team your family is rooting for, if possible. Use same layering techniques.

Side dish- It always great when you can get kids to eat their veggies. Splurge a little on calories it is game day… Take your fresh green beans or zucchini (cut into shoestring fry style) make your own tempura batter (simple recipes on foodtv.com) or can purchase premixed–add water at grocer. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pot with 1/3 full oil. Lightly season your veggies with herbs i.e. basil, oregano, thyme. Dip in batter lightly and place in oil. Fry until golden brown and float to the top. Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

Dessert: Keep it simple by buying prepared sugar cookie dough, and two or three prepared icings. Get out your favorite football inspired cookie cutters. Make cool shaped football themed cookies. Have fun using the store bought to make stitch makes on the football. Or teams logo on the helmet or pendant shaped cookies. May also want to purchase mini M&M’s, nuts, sprinkles etc. Let children be unique with there edible creation. Not only will they enjoy the process of making the treats but love showing them off at school on Monday.

So remember when preparing a kid’s choice menu keep it simple, fun and of course delicious.