Indy-Themed Party Food

With the Colts in the Superbowl, it’s time to feature something more than chili or chips & dip. Of course, if that dip is salsa from Red Gold tomatoes, you’re already in the game! And, don’t forget to grab blue corn chips (often found in the organic food department) to finish it off. There are foods native to Indiana or Hoosier culture that you could serve as well. Watermelon is a popular Hoosier treat, though not currently in season. You could probably still give a nod to its Indiana roots with a fruit tray or watermelon basket.

Breaded pork tenderloins are an Indy delicacy, though they might be difficult or time-consuming to whip up at home. Instead, how about a few local brands to celebrate our state’s showing in the big game? At South Bend Chocolate company, you could pick out a variety of treats to please the chocolate lovers in your group. (Might I recommend the double-dipped peanuts? Yum!)

And, yes, there’s corn! More accurately, popcorn! Orville Redenbacher himself was born right here in Indiana. Serving popcorn balls, caramel corn or other flavored popcorns would be a fun (and tasty) tribute. Just Pop In even features blueberry popcorn in the perfect shade for your party! Sara Gaum from Vendor Bar has given us a few recipes for the do-it-yourself crowd:

Curry Popcorn

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 2 dashes hot sauce
• 1 gallon popped popcorn

Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat; stir in the garlic, turmeric, curry powder, and cumin; keep over heat 1 minute. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 minute more. Add the hot sauce and pour over the popcorn. Serve immediately.

Peanut-y Sweet Popcorn

• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 (3.5 ounce) packages microwave popcorn, popped

Bring the corn syrup, honey, and sugar to a boil in a saucepan; cook at a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir the peanut butter and vanilla into the syrup mixture until the peanut butter has melted completely. Pour the sauce over the popcorn and stir until evenly coated. Allow to cool completely and break into chunks to serve.