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With the Super Bowl just days away, I have finally secured some plans- crashing at moms! For me, its not about the football or the hot guys in uniform, its about the food and the half time show. But I can admit to getting into the game every now and then, especially if I put some money in the office pool. ::crosses fingers::

But since this IS a food blog, I thought I would take the time to share with you some of the awesome recipes that were shared with me as well as some great party planning tips from the folks over at Land O’Lakes. They hosted a webinar, along with a fellow food blogger, named Rebecca, that dished out some great advice for party planning. They also have been kind enough to sponsor a giveaway (deets below).

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As a food blogger and a type A personality, I am all about lists and doing research. I make lists of menu ideas, grocery check lists, and make use of internet recipe databases  to get me by on a weekly basis. It helps keep me organized and within a reasonable budget. But when you throw in a special event, say the Super Bowl, you gotta have great resources. Land O’Lakes has 16,000 recipes archived on their site; each one thoroughly tested and tasted in their kitchen to be an instant hit!

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Land O’Lakes representative, Amber, had some great teasers that piqued my interest. Her go to items for potlucks and house parties include a cheesy bacon loaf of bread called the Pull Apart Party Loaf- the name alone makes me salivate. She also mentioned an amazing upgrade to the standard ol’ nachos- philly cheesesteak totchos- instead of chips, she used potato tots topped with shredded beef, melted cheese and peppers. Then called it Tot-Chos. Genius.

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Like Amber, I love throwing a good party! Sometimes it can be so stressful but I love hearing advice from the pros- One can never have enough tips on how to throw a successful party. Alongside Amber, was Rebecca, a full time mom and blogger who had some awesome party tips as well!

- Take advantage of Social Media! Amber drew lots of inspiration from Pinterest. Why, just searching pinterest for your particular theme party can provide you with HUNDREDS of Leads!

- Lists! Plan ahead. Map out your ingredients. Save time and prep a day before the party.  You want to enjoy the party too, ya know!

- Keep it simple. I am so guilty of not doing this. I get so overboard with planning and wanting to impress my guests that I go overboard with wanting to make everything from scratch. No. Don’t do that. Some things can be already prepared- make sure to make the stuff that’s REALLY important. (also, if your guests have specific allergies, have them bring a dish- that way they are eating exactly what is within their dietary needs and other guests can venture out trying something new!)

- Share the love! Whenever I have a get together, I foist leftovers on guests. They can say no, but the less leftover, the less I have to clean. And also, who doesn’t love a snack after the party!

The webinar was extremely helpful! The Q&A segment was probably one of the most valuable segments. Real questions with real helpful advice. Rebecca took the last question and rocked it. My mind was blown. With limited number of slow cookers on hand and wanting to keep food warm without spending most of the party time in the kitchen heating and reheating, Rebecca cleverly suggested placing a heating pad under the dishes that needed heating along with a clean and decorative dish towel. A HEATING PAD! My mind=blown. Not only is it discreet, but it also allows you to control the heat with the settings. Kudos Rebecca! That’s a mom for you! McGuyvering their way into great parties!

Land O’Lakes has so graciously given me an awesome package that is sure to make my game day feast a huge hit! I scored a pizza stone, huge serving plate, insulated bag and a coupon for a free Land O’Lakes Cheese product. I cannot wait to use them!

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They have also so graciously allowed me to give one away to a reader! That could mean you!  If you want in, leave a comment below with a great party throwing tip, your go to pot luck dish, or something random that you feel like sharing. Also, for a bonus entry, head over to the Land O’Lakes facebook page and like them- they deserve it (and please let me know in a follow up comment)!

If you are still hungry for more game day ideas, check out some of my past entries that are sure to please:

Chili, Chili and Chili. Lots of Chili

WINGS!

Buffalo mac and cheese (most searched recipe on my blog!)

Mac and cheese in general

BBQ Ribs

Chicken Parm Heroes

Pulled chicken Sammies and Cole Slaw

Chicken Tamale Casserole (huge hit in my fam!)

Hope you are all set for the big game day with these great tips and tasty recipes! Can’t wait to try them out myself!

Happy Eating!

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