Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

It’s gonna be a fun weekend. We’ve got a big one. The Super Bowl plus Valentine’s Day is coming up too. I say let's celebrate!

Let’s start with the BIG game on Sunday. I gotta be honest. I have still no idea which team I’m cheering for. I’m just hoping for a great game, fun commercials, and of course it’s all about a great game day food spread too!

Both last week and this week, I’ve been on TV cooking up the MUST HAVES for the Ultimate Game Day Spread.

First, you gotta serve a few good dips! Lots of munchies and appetizers! Big messy sandwiches! Oh yeah, and make-aheads. I sure don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen the whole time. Keep it easy, breezy! Just set everything out on your kitchen island or table and let everybody help themselves.

Let’s start with some fun yummy dips. If you like pizza you’ll love my Pepperoni Pizza Dip! I serve it with baked warm bread sticks or crusty toasted slices of French bread for dipping.

Why not set up a nacho bar? I make The Ultimate Nachos! You can keep the taco meat and the nacho cheese sauce nice and warm in slow cookers. Put out a huge basket of chips and loads of toppings and let everyone help themselves. Now that’s a party! Click Appetizers for more delicious game day appetizer recipes.

When the New York Times was looking for the ultimate game day food, I submitted my Sausage and Cheese Chowder recipe. It won! Sausage, cheese, potatoes, and beer. Oh yeah! You need to make this! For a big crowd double or triple the recipe. Just throw it all in your slow cooker and it will be done in a few hours. It's so crazy easy. THIS WILL BE A HIT! I promise! Click Slow Cooker and Soups for more of my favorite slow cooker, soup, chili and stew recipes.

Okay, let’s talk sandwiches… Is there anything better than a great big messy sandwich? You gotta have one for your Super Bowl bash! My Hot Beef Sandwiches are AMAZING! You just gotta try this recipe! Just your dump your beef roast and the rest of the ingredients in your slow cooker and you are good to go! Click Sandwiches for more super messy and delicious sandwich recipes!

You can’t have a great party without a fun delicious dessert. Have the kids help make and decorate my Brownie Footballs. So Cute!

For a ton more ideas and recipes check out my blog post How to Throw The Ultimate Super Bowl Bash!

Besides the Super Bowl, love is in the air! Valentine's Day is on Monday. Why not treat the family to a special breakfast like my Nutella Stuffed French Toast with Strawberries? Chocolate for breakfast. Now, that's a great way to start the day!

The restaurants are going to be so busy this weekend. I'd rather go out for dinner another time. Start out your romantic dinner with my Simply Great Stuffed Mushrooms or my Maple Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Both are amazing! And just 4 ingredients each!

For the main course, what about making Beef Stroganoff? This recipe is a family fave passed down from my grandmother. I think it’s the best ever! Hope you agree.

This weekend why not bake treats with a surprise inside? My Chocolate Strawberry Stuffed Cupcakes are filled with a little love!

And if you really want to impress, why not WOW everybody with my Blender Chocolate Mousse? Talk about the ultimate date night dessert! Click Desserts for more delicious dessert recipes.

A Sweet Treat - Order Amy's Cookbooks!

If you didn't get my cookbooks for the holidays, or maybe you're stuck in a recipe rut, why not treat yourself or a loved one to new recipes? I have two cookbooks with lots of beautiful color pictures and each is filled with nearly 200 unique, delicious recipes. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

Join The Cooking Mom in Ireland in April 2022! Just a Couple Rooms Left!

I’m so excited to be hosting amazing vacations! Let’s meet new friends and travel together on these trips of a lifetime. Click to read Culinary Vacations with The Cooking Mom to find out what makes my trips so unique. Have you always dreamed of going to Ireland? It’s still not too late to join in the fun this spring! We just have a couple rooms left. We’ll fly direct from Chicago to Dublin. Hurry if you want to get in on this trip as time is running out. We’ll see and do it all. We’ll even stay in two real castles! Click Join The Cooking Mom in Ireland to read more. Don't wait! If you are interested, call Brittany TODAY at Bon Voyage Boutique Travel 920-725-2880 or email her at brittany@bonvoyagebt.com to make your reservation!

Make It the Best Summer EVER! Join The Cooking Mom on Mackinac Island in June 2022!

Last summer I hosted a group trip to one of my favorite places, beautiful Mackinac Island, Michigan. It was amazing! I LOVE this island. Have you ever been? If not you need to go! There’s no place like it! No cars. Gorgeous Victorian homes and Inns. It’s like you’ve stepped back in time! Join me this summer because I’m going back. We are staying at my favorite resort on the island. It’s fabulous! We’ve even added an extra night so there will be more time on this trip to sightsee, shop or just relax! This trip is already filling up. We can only take a limited number of people. Click Join The Cooking Mom on Mackinac Island to get all the details. We’ll be there in June during lilac season. It’s absolutely gorgeous that time of year! I hope you’ll join me.

JUST ONE ROOM LEFT! Join The Cooking Mom in Tuscany in September 2022!

If you are interested in joining me in Italy in fall 2022, now is your chance! This trip is going to be over the top amazing! From wine tastings, to truffle hunting, pasta making and finding the ultimate gelato. We’ll do it all! Plus, we’ll stay in a gorgeous Italian Villa resort! Read Join The Cooking Mom in Tuscany for details. The remaining room can accommodate 2 people. If you are interested call Brittany TODAY at Bon Voyage Boutique Travel 920-725-2880 or email her at brittany@bonvoyagebt.com to make your reservation!

Join Amy on a River Cruise in France in April 2023!

Have you ever dreamed of going on a river cruise? It’s the ULTIMATE way to see Europe! Bring on lots of wine tasting, gourmet meals, fresh croissants and pastries and so much more! Join me on a river cruise through Southern France from Burgundy to Provence. In April of 2023, we’ll cruise the Rhone river on a gorgeous new boutique ship with only 150 passengers! It’s first class all the way and it’s a true ALL-INCLUSIVE river cruise, meaning all your food, drinks, and excursions are included. Gratuity too!

Plus, you’ll have the option to stay a couple days after the cruise to experience Paris. It will be spring and the blossoms will be in full bloom. It’s going to be stunning! Click Join The Cooking Mom on a French River Cruise to get all the dates, pricing and intriguing details. This trip is going to be so wonderful! Join me! Plus, there are special discounts if you book now. Call Brittany at Bon Voyage Boutique Travel 920-725-2880.

Future Trips!

I just got back from the most wonderful culinary trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. From taco tours to cooking classes and whale watching. It was incredible! Let me know if you want to go with me next January. I’m starting to plan now for more culinary vacations in 2023 and 2024. I want to know where you want to go. Email me the trips you’d be interested in at info@thecookingmom.com!

Gotta run! I've got a busy Friday. You can always see what I'm up to on Facebook and Instagram. Check out my videos on YouTube, too.

Happy early Valentine’s Day! I hope it’s super sweet. Have a great weekend and cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom