Recipe: Two coastal dishes inspired by Super Bowl teams to win over your party guests

by Lorie Fangio, contributor to Town Square Buzz

In both San Francisco and Baltimore, it's all about seafood.

Chef Lorie Fangio

Did you know Super Bowl Sunday is second only to Thanksgiving as the day of the year in which Americans consume the most food? When it’s the biggest game of the year, football fans are as serious about their snacks, as they are their favorite team. Whether you are a fan of the Baltimore Ravens the San Francisco 49ers, or just love to tune in for the million dollar commercials, get ready for kickoff late this Sunday afternoon with some great chow.

Planning party fare that is worthy of a touchdown throw down is big business. This year, along with the obligatory chicken wings, nachos, dips and other finger foods, I’ll be serving a signature dish to represent each team. San Francisco and Baltimore are both known for their sensational seafood so I wanted to create two recipes that work well together and could be easily eaten while sitting couch side.

A dish to represent the Baltimore Ravens was a no brainer. Can anyone say Maryland-style crab cakes? Volumes have been written about this enticing appetizer and every chef has his or her own rendition. My Crab Cake Sliders are irresistible small cakes, stuffed with rich crabmeat, seated on a tiny bun, and slathered with homemade tartar sauce.

Along with seafood, San Francisco is also known for its sourdough bread bowls filled with piping hot soups, great to warm you up when visiting Fisherman’s Warf. To signify the 49ers, I selected a stew recipe that can be traced back to Italians that settled in this region in the early 1900s, called Cioppino. This tomato-based concoction is filled with the fruits of the sea and is traditionally served with bread. My scrumptious Cioppino Shooters with sourdough croutons are served in shot glasses, making them perfect for any Super Bowl menu.

As you count down to kick off, be ready with munchies that will be sure to please a crowd. For more game day ideas, check out my blog at Around the Table.

Crab Cake Sliders

1 pound lump crab meat picked through

Lorie Fangio's Crab Cake Sliders with homemade tartar sauce are inspired by the Baltimore Ravens.

1 beaten egg
½ cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
10-12 small dinner rolls
Lettuce

In a bowl, combine all ingredients except crab meat and mix well. Add mixture to crab and toss lightly being careful not to break up the meat. In a skillet set to medium heat, warm butter and oil. Using a kitchen scoop make equal cakes, about 2 oz. each. Place cakes into the hot oil and brown for 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve with tartar sauce and lettuce on buns.

Tartar Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon pickle relish
1 tablespoon capers, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

Mix all ingredients well.

Cioppino Shooters with Sourdough Croutons

2 tablespoons olive oil

Lorie Fangio's Cioppino Shooters with homemade sourdough croutons are inspired by the San Francisco 49ers.

1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped finely
1 green bell pepper, chopped finely
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup dry white wine
1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 14-oz. can chicken stock
1 14-oz. container clam juice or fish stock
1 pound white fish cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound shrimp, cut into small chunks
2 slices of sourdough bread, cut thick
1 tablespoon butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

Garnish: Green onions, Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush both sides of bread with melted butter, season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Using a knife or small cookie cutter, cut shapes out of bread. Place bread on greased baking sheet, cook for 4-5 minutes until bread is browning, turn bread, and brown other side. Remove croutons from oven and set aside. In a heavy bottom soup pot set to medium high heat add olive oil, onions, celery, and green bell peppers. Cook for 7-8 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add garlic, seasonings, and all remaining ingredients except fish and shrimp. Simmer soup for 15-20 minutes. Add seafood and cook another 5-7 minutes. Ladle soup into shot glasses, garnish with cheese, onion, and crouton, and serve.

Lorie Fangio is a Home Economist and Lifestyle Advisor. For more terrific recipes click on the link to Lorie's Blog Around the Table.