Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

Happy Friday! I hope you had a great week. That first week back after the holidays is always a bit rough. We made it! The weekend is almost here and it’s going to be a great one. I can’t wait! Later today I’m heading to sunny Naples, Florida and on Sunday my Green Bay Packers take on the Seattle Seahawks. No matter who you are cheering for, these playoff games are going to be so exciting. You just gotta watch!

I’m kind of an expert at game day parties. We do our fair share on them in Green Bay! LOL! I say keep it easy, breezy. My game plan is to get things done ahead of time and set everything out on the kitchen island or table. Then let your gang help themselves when they are hungry!

My Taco Soup is perfect for your game day bash. It’s something a little different than the usual chili. And it’s pretty healthy. You can make it even healthier by using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Got a big crowd? Double or triple the recipe. Then keep it warm and cozy in your slow cooker. I serve it with all of the favorite taco fixin’s. Then everybody can top their bowl with what they like. I pile on shredded lettuce, sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and of course shredded cheese! I’m a cheesehead - gotta have my cheese! Click Soups for more chili, soup, and stew recipes.

It’s not a good game day party without a few good dips! This time of year I want something ooey, and goey, and warm! If you like pizza, you’ll love my Pepperoni Pizza Dip! It’s super easy and you can make it today. Then just bake it right before kickoff. I serve it with crusty bread or crisp crostini for dipping. So yummy!

Another family favorite is nachos. I make The Ultimate Nachos! I just whip up the ground beef and cheese sauce on the stove and throw it in my slow cooker to keep warm. Why not set up a nacho bar? Set out a crockpot full of sauce with your favorite nacho toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, and jalapeño peppers. Then let everybody ladle that creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness over tortilla chips, and they can pile on their favorite toppings. Total Yum! Click Appetizers for more of my favorite game day munchie and appetizer recipes.

A big messy sandwich is also a game day must! My hot French Dip Sandwiches with au jus for dipping are a game day favorite. Super easy breezy too! On the side, make my Bacon Broccoli Salad and my Southern Style Mac ’n Cheese. Now, that’s a party! Click Sandwiches, Salads and Sides for lots more recipe ideas.

For dessert, if you’re a Packers fan, how cute is my no bake Green and Gold Trifle? You can use food color gels to make the trifle in your team's colors too!

Or have the kids help make and decorate a Football Field Cake! How adorable is this? What fun! Now all we need is a good game. GO PACK GO! Click Desserts for more delicious dessert recipes.

Order Amy's Cookbooks!

If you like my recipes, I think you'll love my cookbooks! Both cookbooks are filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. They're available on Amazon. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

Have You Heard I’m Hosting Culinary Trips?

If you're like me and you're thinking about 2020 trips, check out a bucket list trip I've got in the works. Have you always wanted to go on a river cruise through Europe? It’s been on my list for years. In September 2020, we’ll spend two days in Munich for Oktoberfest and then take an 8-day river cruise down the Rhine River. Please join me! Click Culinary Vacations to read more and imagine the fun we'll have!

You can also click German Grandeur River Cruise to read more, or call 866-463-6946 to reserve your spot. There are a few spots left - including one for you!

What’s on your travel bucket list? I’m planning my culinary trips for 2021. Would you like to back to Tuscany with me? Greece, Hawaii, Ireland? Let me know what trips you’d be most interested in.

Please Invite Me

I’d love to come to your town and meet you! Tell your library about me. I’ll come do a cooking demo for your company or event too. Click Hire Amy for more ideas for how we can spend time together!

Gotta run. I have to get to the airport to catch my flight. Where should I eat and what should I do in Naples, Florida? I’d love your suggestions. Please reply to share! I promise to post pictures on Facebook and Instagram. Follow me!

On Sunday before the game, I’ll be on WTMJ radio talking about football party recipes. I hope you’ll listen!

I hope you have a great weekend. Cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom