Kickin’ it in the Kitchen

The expression “kickin’ it” refers to relaxing somewhere, typically with others. It means unpressured, at your leisure, just hanging out. Sounds good, right? But when it comes to hosting a stress-free gameday party, do you sometimes feel sidelined at the stove while everyone else is cheering on the team? 

If you are nodding your head, then these gameday goals are for you. They’ll have you kickin’ it in the kitchen and enjoying more of the action with your guests at your next football party.

Have a Game Plan

NFL Football coach and Hall of Famer Marv Levy once said, “Plan your work and work your plan.” It’s not just a saying; it’s a recipe for success! The more thought and planning you put in ahead of time, the more you’ll feel in control and free to enjoy the game and your guests. A good game plan also eliminates oversights, reduces stress, and minimizes gameday hassles. 

Keep it Simple

In a recent article, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Manny Diaz said, “It’s not about putting the cape on and doing insane things…. When you’re extremely talented and you play simple, you make simple things look extraordinary.” Apply that principle to your football feast, and don’t try to make every menu item over the top. In the kitchen, like in football, it’s often repeatedly executing simple steps successfully that brings about the best gameday results. Stick to the playbook by featuring tried-and-true, familiar recipes instead of experimenting with something new. 

Clock Management

In football, clock management refers to manipulating the starting and stopping of the game clock to your team’s advantage. By using clock management, you can ensure that the food is the only thing you need to worry about on gameday. Do your grocery shopping, clean your house, and decorate in advance. Plan your menu around dishes you can prep or even prepare beforehand. Remember the words of Lou Holtz, former football coach and TV analyst, “It’s not the load that breaks you down; it’s the way you carry it.”

Preparation is the Key

Two-time NFL Coach of the Year Joe Gibbs once said, “A winning effort begins with preparation.” This statement applies equally to party planning. Tackling too much at once in the kitchen can lead to disaster. Fortunately, for most meals, many tasks can be completed in advance. Save time on the day of your event by preparing ahead: slice and dice your vegetables, make your salad dressing, and marinate your meats the day before. Use your favorite make-ahead recipes to beef up your buffet and save time and effort on the day of your event. 

Hand Off or Pass When Possible

Walter Payton, one of the greatest football players of all time, stressed, “We are stronger together than we are alone.” Football plays like the hand-off and the pass involve transferring the ball from one player to another to reach the goal. The smoothest parties involve many hands as well. If you can enlist others’ help, you’ll enjoy more leisure time at your event. Consider having a potluck and allowing your guests to showcase one of their favorite dishes, then relax!

Special Teams

Football fans often say, “Offense sells tickets,” or “Defense wins championships,” but these statements overlook and underappreciate the significant contribution of special teams. Special teams units consist of players who take the field during kicking plays. While they might not be needed on every play, their contribution is crucial to the team’s success. 

You can draw a parallel between these players and the special appliances in your kitchen. Although you might not use them every day, your multi-use Instant Pot, fix-it-and-forget-it crock pot, and timesaving air fryer can often come to the rescue when entertaining. 

One of the rarest and most celebrated plays in the game of football is the Pick 6. The term refers to an interception returned for a touchdown. A Pick 6 instantly changes a game’s momentum. Picking up these six habits when entertaining at your next football game might be a game-changer for you!