Colleen Kelleher, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – It’s a WTOP morning tradition to pig out on the Friday before the Super Bowl.
“I’m going to go into a food coma by 7,” writer Jason Fraley quipped just after 6 a.m., prompting anchor Mark Lewis to tell him to “wait for the world news roundup” at 8 a.m. For the record, nobody at WTOP got ill, went into a coma or had to go home sick.
WTOP doesn’t get as wacky as some folks when it comes to its Super Bowl spread, but this year a football field of guacamole joined the lineup.
Guacamole is one of those dishes for which the WTOP newshounds salivate when they hear morning editor Mike “Jake” Jakaitis’ mention he plans to make it.
His guacamole football field had cheese goal posts, tomato pylons and sour cream yard lines.
Another appetizer the crew loves is WTOP Traffic Reporter Reada Kessler’s spinach dip.
“Everything is better roasted in bacon fat,” said WTOP Traffic Reporter Reada Kessler, who also brought in bacon-roasted almonds.
A dish that can only be described with a smirk is Jack’s Spicy Balls. WTOP Traffic Reporter Jack Taylor made them and they are spicy.
To counter his “balls,” Jack made a shrimp dip that’s a lot milder.
Writer Jason Fraley was on chicken wing patrol. His secret: Adding Texas Pete and garlic to the wings.
From the ‘Gee, that’s easy to throw in the crockpot’ is Colleen Kelleher’s chili. It’s an anybody-can-make-it meal.
Anchor Mike Moss, who went vegan earlier this year, brought in chicken-less Mandarin Orange Morsels, Chickenless Nuggets and Trader Ming’s Stir Fry Vegetable Eggrolls — all from Trader Joe’s.
Mark Lewis surprised everybody with bacon-wrapped half-smokes with a sweet dipping sauce.
Molly Welton, who works behind-the-scenes in operations, used her co-workers as Guinea pigs to test a pizza dip. Molly’s friends should have no fears. The dip was a hit, even if Molly wasn’t quite sure about the exact measurements of what she put in it.
Anchor Bruce Alan contributed a host of drinks, chips and a Jello mold. Bruce’s Jello mold raised eyebrows and the question, “Did you make this?” He did.
Opting not to bake (although WTOP knows he probably can), reporter Neal Augenstein brought in a store-bought chocolate cake. It’s OK, Neal. Next year you can cook something tasty.
Touchdown or fumble? Check out the video spread.
What other super snacks do you crave while noshing during the Super Bowl? Post a comment in this story, comment on WTOP’s Facebook Page or use #WTOPfood on Twitter.
WTOP will be updating this story and the photo gallery to the right throughout the morning. Below you’ll find recipes for some of these Super Bowl favorites.
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