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Lobster Rolls, Pastrami Bites and Clam Dip - all winners.

Most Super Bowl parties consist of fans of one single team - everyone rooting for the same side, but what happens when you have rivals in your midst? Ply them with good food. This year, Super Bowl XLII (that's 42 for those of us with Roman Numeral deficiencies), it's the New England Patriots up against the New York Giants. I've come up with one big menu with great dishes that showcase both New England and New York, alike. Make the whole thing or choose just the recipes for your team - either way, it'll be one delicious day!

• Pastrami Bites - New York
• Traditional Buffalo Wings - New York
• Lobster Rolls - New England
• Clam Dip - Both
• Maple Glazed Nuts - New England
• Two perfect desserts for this would be a blueberry topped New York Cheesecake and Cannoli.
• Don't forget drinks - Moxie for the teetotaling New Englanders and Samuel Adams ales for the rest. On the New York front, it's Dr. Brown's soda and Snapple beverages.

For the Buffalo Wings, I like the selection of recipes at The Food Network.

I'm also partial to Emeril Lagasse's New York-Style Cheesecake recipe.

Epicurious has a great recipe for Cannoli, if you are brave enough to make your own - I don't have the strength!

Pastrami Bites
32 bites

1 lb sliced pastrami
8 slices Swiss cheese
8 slices rye bread
brown mustard

Toast bread and spread each slice with mustard. Top with slices of pastrami and Swiss cheese. Heat each slice for 15-20 seconds in the microwave until cheese is slightly melted. Cut each into 4 squares. You can trim these into even squares if you like, but I think they look good a little more rustic and uneven.

Lobster Roll

This is one of those dishes where everyone in New England has their own recipe, and each of those recipes is the only "right" way to make Lobster Roll. The vehicle for these is anything from New England hot dog rolls to brioche. The one thing that there is no argument about, though, is that it must contain lobster and mayo. This version is very basic and I chose little split top rolls - that I split down the side - toasted on the inside. Very yummy.
 
1 lb cooked and chopped lobster - I like to leave mine in larger chunks
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Combine everything, taste for seasoning and serve on toasted rolls. The amount of servings you have will depend on what type of roll you choose. 

Clam Dip
Makes about 2 cups

8 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
8 oz minced clams - reserve some juice
1/4 cup clam juice
1-2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic - minced
1 Tbsp. chopped green onion
1-2 teaspoons lemon juice

Combine all ingredients and blend well. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Great with chips or vegetable dippers.

Maple Glazed Nuts

These are so easy! Heat a cup of nuts - whatever you like, I used almonds - in a heavy pan for a few seconds until fragrant. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and toss the nuts until the syrup starts to soak in. Remove from heat and lay out evenly on parchment paper to cool. Stir from time to time so they don't stick together.

I don't think it matters much who wins when you have a great menu going. Personally, I see this as a win-win situation!