If you are a lover of football, you must be in your glory, with all the playoff games every weekend.  Although the college season is over (sad goodbyes to Tim Tebow and Bobby Bowden), I reluctantly move my interest to the pro teams.  Mainly for the food.  Football party food is the greatest, right after funeral food. At least here in the south….

Sweet friends, Val & Jay are the grand master and mistress of ceremonies regarding all things football in our neighborhood. They throw a terrific party and I am always happy to go along for the ride.  This past weekend they hosted us for the two games vying for that Super Bowl spot.  They cooked up some fabulous chicken chili and brunswick stew. Curtis contributed his world famous cornbread, Rick brought the tastiest little potato appetizers and we brought some pumpkin blondies and those last few twix bars that everyone seems to love, despite their cloying sweetness.  It was a terrific feast.  Because of my baking time, we missed out on the chili (it was devoured), but the cornbread, baby potatoes and brunswick stew were all sooo good.  And the pumpkin blondies were a delightful little treat  – and not so sweet considering they are filled with chocolate, white chocolate and butterscotch chips. They would even be a great breakfast snack.  You can find the recipe here at The Messy Cook.

Here’s a quick shot of my pumpkin blondies, fresh from the oven.  And some shots of my ever-fab friends at the party.

Luscious Pumpkin Blondies

My Darling Eric, Ready For Some Football!

Adorable Hostess Val and Our Sweet Chioke

As the evening progressed, favorite neighbors Becky and Tim joined us along with buddy Tracy. Denise had just returned from a visit in Ohio and it was so nice to have everyone all together.  We hugged, ate and drank and yes, we watched a little football too.  For me, it’s all about the friends.

Hope your team is winning!

xoxo, Patti

Before the party, my darlings John and Danny swung by to drop off a tent from our friend Mary Anne – a tent, y’all!! Oh – I should preface. Not a camping tent – Miss Hospitalityaholic is not likely to be found in the woods in a tent.  No, an event tent – a big white one! It is so exciting!  And while Eric and Danny played a little Mad World on the Wii, John helped me with our Halloween decorations for the front porch.  When it is totally done, I will share with you.  Maybe tomorrow.

And then it was off to the pumpkin carving over at Brad and Dawn’s house.  They host a lovely pumpkin carving party, I must say.  Brad whipped up a huge batch of brunswick stew, Crystal made hush puppies (she has been cooking all weekend!) and there were s’mores for dessert. Yum!  Here’s our host serving up some stew – it was so delicious and spicy.

A man and his stew….

A bowl of spicy, meaty deliciousness

Made better with Crystal’s hush puppies…

After eating it was time to get to carving. I had found my idea from Martha Stewart and it was adorable and easy. Especially since my awesome husband cut open and scooped out my pumpkin for me.  All I had to do was bore holes in it and carefully place my mice and spiders in it for a spooky effect.

My sweetheart doing the icky work for me

Isn’t it cute?

Two of my favorites, Dawn and John Charles

<
Big sister Megan

Teague working on his super scary jack o’lantern

Eric’s completed masterpiece – he drew this free hand!
And it matches my spiders, too.

Our Pie Queen gets her hands dirty with&
the most intricate pumpkin pattern

Megan and the pumpkin that Mom carved for her

A passel of pumpkins

Ohhhhh, scary!

It was a wonderful time with friends around the fire, enjoying our handiwork.

I hope you are enjoying the season with loved ones.  And getting your candy ready!  I might knock on your door.

xoxo, Patti