Super Bowl spread

So the question that has been plaguing the Metromix office was finally answered in the frigid, snow-less tundra of Lambeau Field. The give-me Patriots are meeting the G-men in Super Bowl XLII—and all I have to say is, meh. Haven't we seen this game before? I think it went something like this:

I hope I'm proven wrong, but with two North Atlantic teams in which I have no interest in whatsoever (yeah, I'm a hater, whaddup!), this Super Bowl is going to blow.

Except I may just end up having the best spread ever. Right around this time every year, my sis and I start strategizing our menu for Super Bowl, and yes I mean 'strategizing.' Seriously, it's a meticulously-choreographed schedule. The brats come off the grill and are dunked into beer jus during the pre-game show, the wings come out of the oven as the teams are announced, the pizza is sliced and set out as the anthem is being sung. And we allot for making second batches during halftime, especially since the shows have tended to suck after JT metaphorically raped Janet—and got away with it. 

But this year, we can dedicate all our attention to the food. Here's what I have planned so far: my sister just got us a pizza stone...for our grill. Yeah, it's pretty dope. Grilled cheese fresh off my Villaware panini press. Maybe even with pulled short rib, the way Oprah likes it. Nachos, naturally, with chipotle dip. Sticky, fusion-style hot wings that have been a Super Bowl staple for the last five years. And, I want to fry my own potato chips this year to break in my mandoline.

While we've rarely ventured dessert beyond cookies or sundaes, I'm in the mood for cupcakes. In homage to the teams, I'll bake two kinds: a Boston cream pie cupcake and the famous vanilla recipe from NYC's Magnolia bakery. Which one will prevail this cupcake-off? Well, this one, at least, looks too close to call.

—Jiyeon Yoo