Smack talk!

It’s about to get ugly with Da’ Bears vs. the down and dirty Packers playing far from nice tomorrow!  Chicagoans are ready to see the Bears shake up the bad guys and stomp them into stinky cheese submission. I can hardly wait! Here are my rules for enjoying a safe, fun, sleaze free game.

RULE NUMBER ONE: IF YOU LIVE IN CHICAGO, GET JIGGY WITH THE BEARS

Rivalry is an adrenalin rush! I’m all about cheering the Bears to victory, but truth be told the Packers are a fine team. The question is….can the Bears DO IT? My money says yes indid-a-lee deed!  We hate the Packers because we can and Chicagoans are hard core about their loyalty. That’s why it strikes me as being odd that I  actually know and act nice to a few Packer fans. One of which is my boss! This behavior  is a direct contradiction to the way I was raised and no doubt a scandal in my family. I went to the September 11 Bears game with my family and while my Dad was driving us to the game, he asked my husband Greg, “So, what’s with your ONE [implied, stupid] friend who is a Packers fan? I’ve noticed a lot of interaction with you two on Facebook,  Where does he live?”

“He’s on the north side of Chicago.” Greg says.

“Really?? … so what’s he doing rooting for the Packers?” Dad asks [clearly popping veins in his neck].

“Well [uncomfortable] he’s from Green Bay, so ya gotta cut him some slack.”

In the rear view mirror, I caught my Dad’s obvious disappointment.

Proper attire is a must when the team owner pops into the skybox to say hello!

RULE NUMBER TWO: LOOK SPORTY SPICE, NOT TRAILER SLUT!

Every tense moment needs a diversion … So here are my tips about being a class act fan and not some cheese-head!

Let’s start with appropriate attire. Football is better than casual Friday, but be careful not to get carried away. There is a fine line between “representing” and looking the fool.  Do not glove your hand with foam, paint your face, or wear diapers. This is a no-no and a slap in the face to all that is feng shui! This Sunday I’ll have on a short sleeved, classic Bears t-shirt,  layered under a royal blue … (Three Dots, made in the USA)  long cardigan, paired with worn out Levis and yes, I’ll admit it, I have Ugg slippers. Gotta love the Aussies and their, “no worries.”

My husband could give a flying crap about football fashion and will probably make fun of me. He likes to say, “Oh look honey, it’s September 1st, time to put on your Uggs.” Oh and btw, Old Navy has super cute NFL shirts!

RULE NUMBER THREE: FEED ME LONG TIME!

Really???

Now that wardrobe is in order, plan a nosh friendly  menu. Hopefully, I’ll burn off a lot of calories with my amazing couch potato, cheerleading skills. I’m sure that screaming for Devin Hester to score another touchdown, while dipping a chip will keep me buff this winter.

I’ll admit that half of my love for football is the excuse to eat all sorts of fun grub.This Sunday will start with (good-morning!) Gnocchi with Eggs, Mushrooms, and Green Onions and Bloody Marys! Gotta wonder what those low lifes in Wisconsin are planning …a bowl of Doritoes and probably more heart attack platters, Homer Simpson style… “Just take the tray of food and throw it in the deep fryer.” Yum.

So this is what’s on deck….(Greg’s making chili with duck … recipe to follow, after he’s concocted it). This is what I’m making:

Gnocchi with Eggs, Mushrooms, and Green Onions

Gnocchi with Eggs, Mushrooms, and Green Onions

1 package of  sweet potato gnocchi
Water
Olive oil

Portabella mushrooms
2 cloves garlic chopped  and smeared like a paste(if using mushrooms)
5 eggs
5 stalks of green onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tbsp of butter (optional)
Truffle oil (optional)

fresh chives, parsley and a quarter cup of parmagain cheese

If using mushrooms, take a non-stick skillet (large enough to hold gnocchi in one layer), and heat a couple of tbsp of olive oil and chopped garlic. Add chopped mushrooms and sauté until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove cooked mushrooms and reserve.

Add gnocchi to skillet, add enough water to cover gnocchi maybe half way up. Don’t worry if you add too much water; you can let the excess evaporate later. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Cover with lid and let it steam. While the gnocchi is cooking, beat the 5 eggs in a bowl.

Once the gnocchi looks like they have been rehydrated and are soft, take the lid off and let the excess water cook off. You’ll notice the liquid get thicker too. Add chopped green onions to the skillet and let cook for a little bit. Add reserved mushrooms. Add beaten eggs and stir until eggs are cooked through.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a dollop of butter to give it some richness. Drizzle with truffle oil if you have any on hand. Olive oil works too. Enjoy!