January 17, 2006

ALLRECIPES.COM OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO SCORE WITH THE BIG GAME SPREAD

Home cooks also weigh in with their must-have football party and tailgate menu items

Seattle, January 17, 2006 — No matter what teams square off on Sunday afternoon, February 5, millions of Americans will use the big game as an excuse to party. And let’s face it, all that will be remembered when the party is over is the spread—and we’re talking food here. Allrecipes.com, the world’s largest community recipe site for home cooks, offers the definitive guide for rookie party throwers all the way to all-pro veterans for this year’s big game.

This is one football party no host wants to fumble so Allrecipes.com delved into the psychology of the diehard football fan by polling its millions of monthly visitors to serve as a guide for its planning. And while respondents confirmed that beer, chips and dip will be a big game staple, the poll found that some region’s football party fare is clearly different than others. In the upper-Midwest fans are loyal to the game day brat—not to be confused with a hot dog, in the South BBQ plays a significant role and Seahawk fans prepare far more salmon, sushi and veggie trays than other parts of the country.

The Allrecipes.com guide to planning the big game party spread is available at the website now (www.allrecipes.com) and serves as the definitive resource for finding recipes and planning ideas that will make the party a hit regardless of the outcome of the game. The site includes advice on:

• Taking a Dip. What’s easier than a dip buffet? Dip doesn’t have to be a simple after-thought, this section shows how to liven it up and make it a fun focus of the party. And with 80 percent of poll respondents saying they plan on serving dip in some capacity, this approach will separate you from the crowd.
• Taking it Slow. Looking for no-fuss cooking? This section offers all-pro crock pot options that will allow the host to join the party and enjoy the game in front of the TV rather than the cook top.
• The Ultimate Dude Food. Chili. Allrecipes.com has picked the most requested chili recipes from coast to coast to make sure you have a winner for the big day.
• Beer Pairings. Certainly not something the rookie party thrower is concerning themselves with, but for the experienced play-caller, this option may be the ultimate two-point conversion.
• And the big tip of the day—don’t worry about making it healthy. More than 86 percent of respondents said healthy eating is of no concern when it comes to the big game!

“So often people hosting a party for the Super Bowl get focused on the game and leave the spread to a second-team lineup of mix and match potluck style offerings,” said Jerry Gulley, editor-in-chief, Allrecipes.com. “Great food is the key to any party. Our guide offers simple ways for any home cook to make this year’s big game spread a big time success.”

Editors Note: Jerry Gulley, editor-in-chief of Allrecipes.com and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, is available for interviews upon request.

About Allrecipes
Allrecipes, the world’s largest social network of food and entertaining enthusiasts, receives more than 35 million annual visits from users who share and download recipes, reviews, photos, personal profiles, and meal ideas. For more than 10 years, the Seattle-based site has served as a dynamic, indispensable resource for cooks of all skill levels seeking trusted recipes, entertaining ideas, everyday and holiday meal solutions, practical cooking tips and food advice. As the fastest growing independent food Internet site, and part of the Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. food and entertainment division, Allrecipes provides insights into the kitchens and cooking passions of home cooks everywhere.