Gridiron Glamour

THERE’S A NEW ‘MAN-NING’ IN DENVER Like I...

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:10:50 -0700

THERE’S A NEW ‘MAN-NING’ IN DENVER

Like I predicted months ago, Peyton Manning will be formally announced within minutes as the new Denver Broncos quarterback. Look at my original predictions,…could Tebow end up in Jax?? Definitely could fill those empty seats in the Jags stadium. Could the ex-Gator head back to the swamps of FL??

Parting is such sweet sorrow, as I reported a couple of weeks...

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:02:52 -0800

Parting is such sweet sorrow, as I reported a couple of weeks ago, the chances of Peyton staying in Indy are the same chances as Kim Kardashian admitting her marriage was a fraud.

Fox News reporting that the Indianapolis Colts will release Peyton Manning on Wednesday. The quarterback that really put Indy back on the map is still quite questionable about his return to the field healthy enough for next season.

Where does that put Peyton?? Coaches from Miami to Oakland are saying lots of prayers, with billboards in Miami saying “manning to Miami”.

Where do you think he should go??

Saints face a "bountiful" allegation

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:22:32 -0800

Saints face a "bountiful" allegation

STAND BY YOUR MAN. And that is just what supermodel, Gisele...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:39:01 -0800

STAND BY YOUR MAN. And that is just what supermodel, Gisele Bundchen is doing. Defending her beloved husband and father of her two year old, New England Patriot’s quarterback Tom Brady to the media on Sunday. After a really disappointing loss to the New York Giants, Mrs. Brady was overheard saying, “I can’t believe they dropped the ball so many times. My husband cannot f—-king throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time.”

A bitter woman? Or is there some truth behind her anger?? Patriots fans saw first hand that Welker missed a key catch that could have definitely changed the outcome of the game for sure. But Hernandez can be blamed too. What about Woodhead? Ochocinco? Could Gronk’s ankle really have been the Patriot’s Achilles heel??

Love it or hate it, the outcome cant be changed. We can play the would’ve, could’ve, should’ve game all the way to kickoff next season, but one thing remains true, the NY Giants are the Super Bowl Champions!

REPEAT!!!!!! You can’t spell ELIte without Eli. NY Giants...

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:15:56 -0800

REPEAT!!!!!! You can’t spell ELIte without Eli. NY Giants came to Indy to win! Full team effort led by quarterback, Eli Manning, but supported all the way around the field from Cruz, Manningham, Nicks, Pierre-Paul, and Bradshaw. Beating the New England Patriots for the Super Bowl rematch, 21-17.

To the Coughlin haters, one Chris Brown song comes to mind, “Look at (him) now!” Manning not only celebrates his second Super Bowl win (1 more than his brother Peyton), but also named MVP! Congrats to the Mara and Tisch family!

SIX IN THE CITY of CANTON. Six football legends are inducted...

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:05:03 -0800

SIX IN THE CITY of CANTON.

Six football legends are inducted into the Football Hall of Fame. Jack Butler who waited over four decades to be inducted, got choked up when he heard the news. Congrats to Class of 2012’s new class:

-Jack Butler CB (Steelers)
-Dermontti Dawson C (Steelers)
-Curtis Martin RB (Jets/Patriots)
-Cortez Kennedy DT (Seahawks)
-Willie Roaf T (Chiefs/Saints)
-Chris Dolman DE/LB (Detroit Lions)

See you this summer in Canton!!

Neighborhood Tastes of Indy Football fans everywhere are...

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:09:36 -0800

Neighborhood Tastes of Indy

Football fans everywhere are visiting the cityfor the Super Bowl, well here are a few places to eat that the locals visit. Being hungry is easy. But finding exactly what you’re craving can be a bit more difficult. In a city that offers it all, we’re happy to help you find a solution.

South Broad Ripple:

Broad Ripple is known for its bustling nightlife, but what really sets it apart from other areas is its eclectic dining locations. Some of the best chefs in town have set up camp in this up-and-coming, hip area of town. From local, fresh items at Recess to distinctive pantry necessities at Taste, South Broad Ripple — “SoBro” — has it all.

Fletcher Place:

Fletcher Place, just blocks south of the downtown area, is a quaint neighborhood which is home to all things original. It’s also home to some unique restaurants that every visitor would appreciate. From elegant rooftop dining at Dunaway’s to authentic Turkish cuisine at The Bosphorus to fresh brewed coffee and treats at Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company, Fletcher Place is a cozy area of town that’s sure to warm you up with its charmâ[8364]¦ and its cuisine.

Stadium District:

Downtown is known for its variety of attractions, shopping and also its food options. But one area that is particularly special is the Stadium District — just steps from Lucas Oil Stadium. Looking for Kosher style foods? Check out Shapiro’s Delicatessen. Or perhaps it’s a gyro you’re craving? Greek Islands is your place. Or maybe you just need a big platter of authentic spaghetti and meat-ah-balls — Iozzo’s back courtyard is what we suggest. Whatever you’re looking for, this particular hot spot is one of our finest.

Northside:

Northside dining provides a varied array of dining selections. From fine dining to quick eats, this area offers up a platter of choices. Grab lunch with friends at McAlister’s and guzzle down their famous iced tea. Enjoy a long evening at Sullivan’s steak house where the wine selection is superb. Or just relax and enjoy food and entertainment at Lulu’s. Whatever you’re craving, the northside of Indianapolis has something for all. —Tom Ferrara (Guest Blogger)

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER SHOOTER 2 1/2 pounds small...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:23:39 -0800

NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER SHOOTER

2 1/2 pounds small hard-shell clams, such as Manila
1 medium yellow onion, small dice, peel and scraps reserved
1 medium celery stalk, small dice, peel and scraps reserved
1 medium carrot, small dice, peel and scraps reserved
1 1/2 cups water
3 ounces smoked bacon, small dice (about 1/2 cup)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 medium red potatoes, medium dice, reserved in cold water
1 cup bottled clam juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
1 medium bay leaf
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, minced

Rinse clams under running water, discarding any that are open or have broken shells. Combine peels and scraps of onion, celery, and carrot with clams in a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tightfitting lid. Add 1/2 cup of the water, cover the pot, and cook over high heat until most of the clams have opened, about 10 minutes.
Drain clams in a cheesecloth-lined mesh strainer set over a large bowl, reserving the liquid. When the clams are cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the shells and reserve it, discarding any clams that did not fully open. Discard the clam shells and vegetable peels and coarsely chop the clam meat (you should have about 1 cup). Measure the reserved clam cooking liquid; you should have about 2 cups. If you have less, add enough water to equal 2 cups. Set aside.
Rinse out the Dutch oven or large pot, dry it, and return it to the stove over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until the fat is rendered and the bacon is beginning to crisp, about 6 minutes. Add diced onion, celery, and carrot and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until just soft, about 2 minutes more.
Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until flour is no longer raw tasting, about 2 minutes.
Stir in wine and cook until mixture begins to thicken, about 1 minute. Drain reserved potatoes and add to mixture. Add reserved clam cooking liquid, bottled clam juice, thyme, bay leaf, chopped clam meat, and remaining 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.
Stir in cream and parsley. Let cool slightly.
Pulse 5-8 times in a food processor so that the soup is minced, but that the potatoes and clam don’t lose their texture completely.
Pour into shot glasses and top with crispy bacon pieces.
Serve and enjoy!

THROWING THE PERFECT PARTY

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:03:00 -0800

With the SuperBowl only days away, prepping for the perfect party is a very wise decision. How to be...

SUPERBOWL SIGNATURE DRINKS: BOSTON BREW-SKY SANGRIA 2 Bartlett...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:37:00 -0800

SUPERBOWL SIGNATURE DRINKS: BOSTON BREW-SKY SANGRIA

2 Bartlett pears, peeled and chopped
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Four 12-ounce bottles lager, chilled
1 cup triple sec
Ice
2 Bosc pears, sliced, for garnish

In a food processor, combine the Bartlett pears with 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and process to a puree.
Slowly pour the beer into a pitcher. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of lemon juice, the triple sec and the pear puree. Fill pint glasses halfway with ice. Add the sangria and garnish with the Bosc pear slices.

SIGNATURE SUPERBOWL DRINKS: THE NY ICED TEA 2 cups ice cubes 1...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:33:00 -0800

SIGNATURE SUPERBOWL DRINKS: THE NY ICED TEA

2 cups ice cubes
1 ounce vodka
1 ounce gin
1 ounce white rum
1 ounce white tequila
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup cola, or to taste
2 lemon wedges

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour the vodka, gin, rum, tequila, Triple Sec, and lemon juice into the shaker. Cover and shake vigorously to combine and chill. Pour the mixture, ice and all, into 2 glasses or beer mugs and top off with the cola. Garnish with lemon wedges. Serve.

PILE-ON PIZZETTES 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 large onions, sliced...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:04:00 -0800

PILE-ON PIZZETTES

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 large onions, sliced (about 4 cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon herbs de Provence
1 teaspoon sugar
1 ball purchased pizza dough (about 12 to 16 ounces)
3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
2 to 3 ounces prosciutto (about 5 large slices), cut into 2 by 2-inch pieces
Parsley or rosemary sprigs, for garnish
Special equipment: 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter

Directions

In a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil over low heat. Add the onions, salt, pepper, herbs de Provence, and sugar. Stir to combine. Continue cooking over very low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and dark golden brown, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.

Roll out the pizza dough into a 1/4-inch-thick round. Using the cookie cutter, cut out 24 dough circles. Arrange the circles on a large heavy baking sheet. Place a small spoonful of the caramelized onions on each dough circle. Top with a small amount of goat cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 10 minutes.

While still hot, top each pizzette with a piece of prosciutto. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with sprigs of parsley or rosemary. Serve immediately.

SERVINGS: 24 (PER PIZZETTE); Calories: 91; Total Fat 4 grams; Saturated Fat: 1 grams; Protein: 3 grams; Total carbohydrates: 11 grams; Sugar: 2 grams Fiber: 0.5 grams; Cholesterol: 6 milligrams; Sodium: 334 milligrams

SUPERBOWL WINGS 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:01:00 -0800

SUPERBOWL WINGS

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

10 chicken wings

oil for deep frying

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup hot sauce

1 dash ground black pepper

1 dash garlic powder

In a small bowl mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt. Place chicken wings in a large nonporous glass dish or bowl and sprinkle flour mixture over them until they are evenly coated. Cover dish or bowl and refrigerate for 60 to 90 minutes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). The oil should be just enough to cover wings entirely, an inch or so deep. Combine the butter, hot sauce, pepper and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir together and heat until butter is melted and mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and reserve for serving.
Fry coated wings in hot oil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until parts of wings begin to turn brown. Remove from heat, place wings in serving bowl, add hot sauce mixture and stir together. Serve.

PIGSKINS IN A BLANKET 1 pound bacon 1 (16 ounce) package little...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:45:00 -0800

PIGSKINS IN A BLANKET

1 pound bacon
1 (16 ounce) package little smokie sausages
1 cup brown sugar, or to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cut bacon into thirds and wrap each strip around a little sausage. Place the wrapped sausages on wooden skewers, several to a skewer. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and sprinkle them liberally with brown sugar.
Bake until bacon is crisp and the brown sugar melted.

NEW YORK STRIP CRUSTINI 1 rustic baguette, cut into 1/4 inch...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:38:00 -0800

NEW YORK STRIP CRUSTINI

1 rustic baguette, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 cup of olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1 lb New York Strip, smoked, cooked medium
1/2 cup of Cambozola Blue Cheese, room temperature (Cambozola is like a blue brie)
1/2 cup of spinach leaves, optional
Salt and Pepper
1/2 cup of Cherry wood chips, soaked in water for at least one hour

Begin by seasoning your steak on both sides, generously, with salt and pepper. Let the steak sit at room temperature as you heat up your grill. Lately I have only been working with charcoal as I think the flavor adds a bit more flavor to the grill. So however you are grilling, whether it be charcoal or gas, get the grill to a medium to high heat to get a nice sear on the steak. Sear the steak on one side, cooking for about three minutes, then flip, add in the soaked wood chips, cover, and cook an additional four minutes. You are looking for about 140 degrees for the steak. When you have reached that temp, I typically use my finger to check doneness by pressing on the steak. A meat thermometer can be dangerous as it will let out all of those delicious juices.

When the steak is done, remove from the grill, place on a plate, tent with some aluminum foil, and let it REST for about 20 minutes.

During the rest time, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Brush olive oil onto the top of each sliced baguette and place onto a large baking sheet.

Place into the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are a light golden brown.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Rub the garlic clove onto each crostini and sprinkle just a pinch of salt and pepper onto each one.

Take your blue cheese and add a bit to each crostini.

Slice your steak very thinly, across the grain. Try a piece and promise to wait to each another piece before serving your guests.

Add a slice of steak on top of each cheese covered crostini. Top with a spinach leaf. Serve.

BEAN-TOWN DIP 1 can black beans2 T. liquid from can of...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:34:00 -0800

BEAN-TOWN DIP

1 can black beans
2 T. liquid from can of beans
squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice
1/4 t. onion powder
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. coriander
1/4 t. cumin
dash of cayenne pepper
big pinch of salt

1. Drain beans, reserving 2 tablespoons of liquid, then rinse in a strainer.
2. Add beans, reserved liquid, lemon juice and all remaining ingredients to a food processor, mini food processor or blender.
3. Process until smooth then taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
4. Serve with pita chips, corn chips, or your favorite crackers.

GORGEOUS GIANT. New Yorkers have style in their DNA, so here are...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:54:00 -0800

GORGEOUS GIANT. New Yorkers have style in their DNA, so here are a few of my suggestions to amp up your gameplan for SuperBowl Sunday. These looks would even make Carrie Bradshaw happy, although we have a feeling she’d probably wear a red tu-tu with her jersey just to stand out!

1. VINTAGE GLORY. This fun red t-shirt will have you cheering for football fashions while you cheer on your Giants to victory. Available at finishline.com.

2. BIG BLUE. Cozy up to this cobalt blue cardigan. This is for the girls who just wanna wear the colors to the party or are impartial to a team. Pair this over a simple white cardigan and a red belt with your favorite jeans. Guaranteed TOUCHDOWN! Available at boscovs.com.

3. THE CANTY CAMI. This shouldn’t be hard, you probably already have one of these in your drawer. If you don’t, you should. This great basic is a great layering piece, year round. Need a new one? Try express.com.

4. BELT IT OUT. Wanna take the whole fashion + football to a whole new level?? Add this sexy Louis Vuitton belt to any red, white, and blue ensemble to be tres chic! Available at Louis Vuitton stores nationwide.

5. TYNE-Y BOOTIE. Cobalt blue is a color that doesn’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon, so this great lil feminine yet bold bootie is a great addition to any closet. Made by Luichiny Nika Bee, available at 6pm.com.

6. LACED UP KICKER. Black patent leather ankle boots can score major points with girls and guys alike. Made by the shoe-man himself, Christian Louboutin, they are a fashion fan favorite. Available at Louboutin stores nationwide.

7. OFF SIDES SWEATSHIRT. When in doubt, opt for the “Flashdance” off the shoulder sweatshirt with your own jeans and you’ll be set. My favorite is Junk Food’s Giant’s sweatshirt with the distressed logo, available at junkfoodclothing.com.

8. FIELDGOAL FASHIONISTA. Although these are not really “football” heels, Nike always does a great job with incorporating the hottest sneakers into heels. These Air Jordan heels are funky and fresh and can replace a boring sneaker anytime. Available at nike.com.

9. THE WO-MANNING JERSEY. This SuperBowl, the Giants will be wearing their white jerseys so you don’t wanna be caught in the blues! Again, opt for a child’s size L or XL to fit your cute frame perfectly. On sale right now at kohls.com.

10. PERFECTING THE ENDZONE. Wanna be eco-friendly but also stylish for the big game? H&M makes that possible with their white slacks. Available at hm.com.

11. G-MEN JEANS. Colored jeans are all the rage right now. All your favorite celebrities are rockin’ them with their favorite basics. These bright blue jeans by JBrand are available at Nordstrom.com.

PATRIOT PRINCESS. New England fans need not worry, here are some...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:53:00 -0800

PATRIOT PRINCESS. New England fans need not worry, here are some great pieces to wear for SuperBowl Sunday. Stay chic yet Gridiron Glamorous no matter if you are going to the game or at home with your friends, there is something that will suit everyone’s taste. And for the ladies who aren’t loyal to any team?? Lucky for you, both teams share the same color palette, so if you catch a cutie eye-ing you at the party and he asks you who you are rooting for, you can just say “the same team you are cheering for.”

1. TAILGATE WITH ME T-Shirt by Victoria Secret is a great shirt to wear with skinny jeans and a great shoe. Get yours at nflshop.com!

2. GAMEDAY JERSEY. Is Welker your favorite? Maybe Brady? What about Ochocinco? No matter who your favorite guy is, opt for a child’s jersey to get a sexy fit. Available at most NFL shops, but they are on sale right now at kohls.com.

3. A SEXY CLEAT. Minus the spikes, check out this adorable bootie by Alexander Wang. A total fashion must-have for every sporty fashionista!

4. THROWBACK T-shirt. Who says the old throwback logos aren’t cool?? I am a huge fan of the vintage, yet oh-so-comfy t-shirt by Junk Food, available at junkfoodclothing.com, for $24.99!!

5. TIGHT END. White jeans are white hot for spring/summer, so you should already own a pair. But if you don’t, these True Religion white jeans fit and flatter your bottom no matter what shape and size. Available at nordstrom.com.

6. READY. SET. SPIKE! Think of it as the fashionable cleat, yet oh-so sexy. These red hot spiked heels will be the talk of the SuperBowl party and be sure to catch every hottie’s eyes. The Genevieve by N.Y.L.A. can give even the red bottoms a little run for their money. Available at nordstrom.com.

7. SPORTS BABE. Not really into the super-girlie shoes? Well these athletic inspired bootie are sure to make you smile. These are for the girl who isn’t afraid to get off the sideline and make a fashion statement. The black and red bootie by Carvela Sybil are one of a kind. Available at elegisla.com.

8. RED HOT. Incorporate the latest colored pant trend into your favorite sportswear look with these great red American Apparel leggings. (Also available in blue for those not brave to rock the red!) Available at americanapparel.com.

9. STRIPED SIREN. Not fond of wearin’ the jersey and not sure what team you want to root for? This perfect navy blue and white striped boat neck tunic by Splendid will definitely help you look cute without trying too hard. Available at Splendid stores nationwide.

10. HALF BACK. This adorable blue criss-cross backed sweatshirt is not only practical but beyond fabulous! Wear it with a colored denim or a legging and you will be effortlessly chic! Available at Brandy Melville stores nationwide.

THE LINGO, is just as important as the handsome quarterbacks we...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:48:00 -0800

THE LINGO, is just as important as the handsome quarterbacks we like to admit we crush on (Yes, Tebow, we are talking about you.) Here is a quick breakdown of the field.

SIDELINES: The sides of the field (Yes, it’s pretty simple. I know, trust me football is not rocket-science! Think of it as IN-BOUNDS and OUT OF BOUNDS.

RED-ZONE: the imaginary area between the defense’s 20-yard line and its GOAL LINE from which the offense is most likely to score points.

END ZONE: The area on the field (the rectangle with the team’s logo) between the endzone line and goal line, and bounded by the sidelines. (What you really need to know: The team on offense tries to enter this “zone” to score a TOUCHDOWN.)

PYLON: a short orange marker at each of the ENDZONE’s 4 corners. (What you really need to know: This basically helps the player’s define the endzone.)

END LINE: the boundary line that runs the width of the field along each end. Defining the field.

GOAL POSTS: a tall metallic structure that stands at the back of each END ZONE; consists of a crossbar and two uprights that extend upward from it, supported directly above the END LINE by a base; teams try to kick the ball above the crossbar and between the uprights to score a FIELD GOAL or an extra point. (What you reall need to know: It’s the white “Y” looking structure at the end of the field. There are 2 of them. And that a success kick, results in 3 points.)

FIELDGOAL: a placed kick that passes above the crossbar and between the uprights of the GOALPOST, earning the team that kicked it 3 points.

SUPERBOWL XLVI PARTY BALLOT. Play a game with the friends you...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:42:00 -0800

SUPERBOWL XLVI PARTY BALLOT.

Play a game with the friends you invite over to your SuperBowl soiree. Buy one unique NY Giants memorabilia and one unique New England Patriots fan merchandise. These are the prizes. (Keep it simple. Don’t have much to spend, keychains are an easy way to go. Wanna go all out: What about a signed photo?)

Use the ballot above. Pass it out before the game to everyone at the party and then collect them before kick-off. It’s a fun and easy way to see who your friends are cheering for and what they think the end score will be!