2012 Super Bowl Ratings: Big Game Breaks Big Record

Over the past several decades, the Super Bowl has become The Game -- the game advertisers long to be a part of, the game young athletes dream of, and the game that American households watch without fail. Well, that reputation was sustained on Sunday when the record books got a new number scrawled into them:

Super Bowl XLVI was watched by an average of 111.3 million viewers, setting a new viewership record.

— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) February 6, 2012

Giants 21-17 win in Super Bowl sets viewership record of 111.3 million up a notch from last year.

— Richard Sandomir (@RichSandomir) February 6, 2012

The Super Bowl, which ended with a dramatic 21-17 New York Giants win over the New England Patriots, had more eyes on it than any television event ever, but it still failed to break the Nielsen rating record of 47.9, posting instead a near-record 47.8 rating. The previous viewership record was at 111 million viewers, set during the 2011 Super Bowl.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub, and for more on the commercials that aired Sunday, check out the Super Bowl commercials stream.

2013 Super Bowl Odds: Packers Favorites, Bears In Top Ten

2012 Super Bowl TV Ratings: Ratings Down, Madonna Outdraws Game

Maybe America wasn't salivating for a rematch between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants after all? According to John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal, the television ratings for the 2012 Super Bowl were actually slightly down from last year's broadcast.

Super Bowl Commercials 2012: Toyota Reinvents The Couch And The DMV

Toyota claims to have reinvented the Camry -- though they might be better served to save such confident verbiage for when they create a flying Camry or a Camry that can turn into a submarine -- and with that task done, they moved on to re-imagining a few other things.

That DMV is the impossible dream, while the poopless time-traveling baby makes one wonder why Toyota researchers couldn't use the baby to travel ahead and figure out how to make a Camry that flies or turns into a submarine. Then again, the operational details of the baby are unclear. Does one merely hold the baby to travel through time with it, or is no one other than the baby capable of time travel?

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub, and for more on the commercials that aired Sunday, check out the Super Bowl commercials stream.

Super Bowl Commercials 2012: Jerry Seinfeld Will Do Just About Anything For A New Acura NSX

In this Super Bowl XLVI advertisement, comedian Jerry Seinfeld is so enamored with the new Acura NSX that when he finds out there is another man in line to get the car first, he's willing to go to great lengths to bribe his way into the driver's seat, so to speak.

It almost works, and perhaps if the fellow had been a bigger fan of Seinfeld's television show and appreciated a good reference, it would have been a little easier for Jerry.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub, and for more on the commercials that aired Sunday, check out the Super Bowl commercials stream.

Super Bowl Commercials 2012: Dog Bribes Owner With Doritos

The family cat, Fluffy, has gone missing, and when a man discovers that his dog is responsible for the abduction and demise of the cat, he's faced with a difficult decision. That is until the dog approaches him with a little proposition.

This gentleman is either very easy to please or very intimidated by large dogs, or maybe he never really cared much for poor Fluffy. In any case, he accepts a bag of Doritos in exchange for his silence, perhaps in part out of appreciation for the dog's impressively legible paw-writing.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub, and for more on the commercials that aired Sunday, check out the Super Bowl commercials stream.

Super Bowl 2012: New York Giants QB Eli Manning Takes Home MVP Honors

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was outstanding in his team's 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday night. Manning finished 30-40 for 296 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions and led a clutch drive in the final four minutes that helped the Giants score the go-ahead touchdown. Manning was named the game's MVP for his efforts.

Related: Super Bowl 2012 Final Score: New York Giants Defeat New England Patriots 21-17

That final drive began with a perfectly placed deep ball to Mario Manningham, which moved the ball up near midfied. From there, Manning and the rest of the Giants were able to chip away and get down inside the 10, where Ahmad Bradshaw scored the decisive touchdown.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl 2012 Final Score: New York Giants Defeat New England Patriots 21-17

Early on it appeared as though it would be New York's night, as they jumped out to a quick 9-0 lead on a safety and a touchdown drive that ended when Eli Manning found Victor Cruz over the middle. The Patriots had run one play from scrimmage and found themselves down two scores, but not surprisingly, they weren't about to make it easy on New York.

New England rallied for 10 points in the second quarter, including a short touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Danny Woodhead, and took a 10-9 lead into halftime. Early in the third quarter, the Patriots extended that lead to 17-9 on another Tom Brady touchdown pass. The Giants put together a pair of scoring drives after that but settled for a field goal in both cases, narrowing the gap to 17-15 as the fourth quarter began.

The game came down to one final drive by the New York Giants, which began with less than four minutes remaining in the game. Eli Manning hit Mario Manningham for a big gain to get the Giants near midfield, and they were able to chip away from there, and eventually Ahmad Bradshaw gave them the decisive margin with a touchdown run with 57 seconds remaining.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl, Giants Vs. Patriots Score Update: New England Takes 17-15 Lead Into 4th Quarter

The New England Patriots have a slim 17-15 lead over the New York Giants heading into the fourth quarter, as the Giants continue to have trouble finding their way into the end zone.

New England took a 17-9 lead early in the third quarter on a touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Aaron Hernandez. After that, New York managed to put together a couple of solid scoring drives but had to settle for field goals in or near the red zone on both occasions. Lawrence Tynes nailed both to bring New York back within two points.

Eli Manning has completed 20 of 26 passes for 178 yards and a TD for New York, while Tom Brady is 21-26 for 212 yards and two touchdowns.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Update: Patriots Lead 10-9 At Half

The New York Giants will look back at the first half and be frustrated with a handful of missed opportunities, which allowed for the New England Patriots to take a surprising 10-9 lead at halftime of Super Bowl XLIV.

New England scored all of its points in the second quarter, with the Patriots getting a 29-yard field goal from Stephen Gostkowski at the beginning of the quarter. However, the most important drive of the opening half came in the final minutes, as Tom Brady led a 96-yard drive for a late TD. On the drive, Brady completed all 10 of his attempts, including the TD pass to Danny Woodhead that gave the Patriots the lead.

The Giants received a strong performance from Eli Manning in the opening half, as he completed 13/17 for 120 yards and a TD. The lone TD of the game for New York came on a throw to Victor Cruz and put the Giants up 9-0. However, the Giants will be disappointed in their ability to capitalize on their dominance earlier in the game.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl: Second Quarter Observations

One half in to Super Bowl XLVI and the interest in the game is starting to pick up. It helps that my cat Irma has now one two squares in a row. Man I love the nine and zero combination. Note to all readers, that when I got the numbers last week for myself, Merry and our two cats I was livid. Especially with the nine and zero combination.

Now back to the game. The action is getting better on the field and the commercials are getting slightly better as well.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the game and are all getting your "Vogue" on during the halftime show.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl: First Quarter Observations

We are one quarter in to the Super Bowl, and through one quarter it seems like just a normal Sunday Night Football game. For whatever reason, this Super Bowl hasn’t had anything that makes this game seem "special".

The commercials have been no different than those that I would fast forward through when catching up on my DVR.

My only excitement was the fact that my cat Irma won the first quarter super bowl square in my fiance Merry’s office pool. Who would have thought that a 9 and a 0 would be worth anything, but gotta love a safety.

You know the game is boring when Al Michaels has already mentioned twice how big an acquisition punter Steve Weatherford was for the Giants this offseason.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Score Update: Giants Dominate Opening Quarter

If you were willing to bet that the opening points of the Super Bowl would come from a safety, you would be a much wealthier individual right now. While the New York Giants opened the scoring with a safety from an intentional grounding penalty, that one play was only a small indication of the level of dominance New York exhibited in the opening quarter.

Eli Manning was in complete control of the offense during the opening 15 minutes. The New York Giants QB completed all nine of his attempts and threw a TD pass to Victor Cruz late in the first quarter. Hakeem Nicks was active in the first quarter, making two catches for 24 yards.

While Tom Brady would certainly like to have the intentional grounding throw back, he did get into a rhythm at the end of the quarter. Brady completed 4/5 throws for 43 yards, with Wes Welker making a key 19-yard reception on the lone extended drive for New England.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl: NFL Experts Make Their Predictions

With the start of Super Bowl XLVI rapidly approaching, it should come as no surprise that many of the NFL's top minds have made their predictions for the big game. While there seems to be a consensus among fans that the Giants are the favorite, there seems to be a genuine split with NFL writers.

Over at ESPN, six of the prominent writers believe the Patriots will exact some revenge and win the Super Bowl, while four are picking the Giants. According to John Clayton, the resolve of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick should be enough to lead the Patriots to the win:

John Clayton: Patriots, 24-20

It's hard to beat Tom Brady three times in a row at his game of comeback football in the fourth quarter. Although I worry about the Patriots' defense, I think Brady and Bill Belichick will find a way to squeak out a victory.

The writers at CNNSI are even more confident that New England will be celebrating later tonight, as five of the six writers believe the Patriots will win the Super Bowl. However, Peter King believes the Giants will pull out the victory, thanks to a couple key plays from Osi Umenyiora:

Why the Giants will win: The only thing I know is it'll be a two-minute-warning kind of game. One team's going to have a chance to win this one late. It comes down to the Giants' terrific pass rush, and whether Matt Light can hold up for 60 snaps against the dangerous Osi Umenyiora. I say Umenyiora makes a few decisive plays.

SBNation.com Prediction: Like plenty of others, I think this is one of those games that comes down to whoever has the ball last. Neither side has a major, game-altering advantage either way. That said, the Patriots have won 10 in a row and I don't see the momentum being stopped right now. Patriots win, 30-27.

It's the writers over at CBSSports.com that are the most confident in the New York Giants. Of the nine writers asked to make a prediction, seven believed that the Giants would take care of business again. However, according to Mike Freeman, the trash-talking from the Giants may serve as some added motivation for New England:

Normally, as Tom Coughlin would say, talk is cheap but this is Brady who thrives on talk and doubters. I’ve seen it happen with Brady on more than a few occasions. Not to mention the Patriots are on a revenge tour. I think the Giants would have been better served shutting the hell up. I know they are talkers. I know the Giants thrive on emotion and yapping but don’t pull on SuperBrady’s cape.

The Giants will still win but their mouths just turned this game from a comfortable win for them into one of the tightest Super Bowls ever.

Final score: Giants, 28-27

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

2012 Super Bowl Commercials: Hyundai Can Save Lives, Apparently

Super Bowl advertisements tend to be a bit wacky. You'll see all kinds of things that simply don't happen in the real world, because real world imagery doesn't stick in peoples memories. Ridiculous scenes and half-decent jokes, though? A Super Bowl advertiser's arsenal is loaded with those.

Take this new commercial from Hyundai, for the 2012 Genesis Coupe. Does this car go really fast, or have an exceptional interior? Is it ridiculously safe and loaded with new technology? Nobody knows, but we do know one very important thing about this car: it can save human lives, literally.

We don't really know whether this car is fast, safe, comfortable or affordable. But if you're in the middle of nowhere driving with your boss and he suddenly stops breathing, you'll be happy that you didn't buy a Subaru.

For more on the Patriots and their Super Bowl run, check out SB Nation's Patriots blog,Pats Pulpit as well as SB Nation Boston. For more on the Giants and their Super Bowl appearance, visit Giants blog Big Blue View and SB Nation New York. For all news and information regarding Super Bowl XLVI, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated Super Bowl hub.

Super Bowl Recipes: Original Ideas For The Big Game

The Super Bowl is a special day. Special as in it's a day that's all about hanging with people you like, watching sports, and, of course, eating a bounty of foods. And considering that the New England Patriots and New York Giants will be "going big or going home" on Sunday, you might as well do the same with your food, right?

Over at SB Nation, we've got all kinds of recipes and ideas for snacks that will basically put that "chips and salsa" idea to shame. I mean, why eat some potato chips when you could eat bourbon bacon popcorn or sriracha fried pickles? And if you don't like the idea of mixing bourbon with popcorn or deep frying pickles, there surely will be something else that does tickle your fancy.

Head over to Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View for more on this game. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

2012 Super Bowl Prop Bets: The Miami Heat Vs. The Super Bowl

Chicago sports fans don't have much of a dog in the fight that is the 2012 Super Bowl, but it does provide the opportunity to bet against the Miami Heat. Yes, the Super Bowl prop bet cottage industry has become so popular that you can now place wagers dependent on another game in another sport. Via SBNation Tampa Bay, here are a few prop bets involving the Super Bowl and today's game vs. the Heat and the Toronto Raptors:

SUPER BOWL XLVI CROSS SPORT PROPS - What will be higher

Eli Manning Completions (+105)

OR

Lebron James Points (-135)

SUPER BOWL XLVI CROSS SPORT PROPS - What will be higher
Wes Welker Receptions (-125)

OR

Lebron James Assists (-105)

SUPER BOWL XLVI CROSS SPORT PROPS - What will be higher
Ahmad Bradshaw Receiving Yards (-125)

OR

Chris Bosh Points (-105)

Head over to Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Giants blog Big Blue View for more on this game. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Super Bowl Live Stream Free Available On NBC.com

2012 Super Bowl Line And Odds: Patriots Still Slight Favorite

Super Bowl 2012 Time, TV Coverage, Live Scores And More

Super Bowl 2012 Preview And Prediction: Giants Vs Patriots

This Super Bowl has the potential to be very entertaining.

2012 Super Bowl Odds: New England Patriots A Slight Favorite To Defeat New York Giants

The New England Patriots opened as 3-1/2 point favorites over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI, but in the days since then, the line has moved a little bit in New York's direction, according to OddsShark. On the eve of the Super Bowl, the Patriots are favored by 2-1/2 points.

Related: Giants OL David Diehl Proud To Represent University Of Illinois

Much like the Green Bay Packers last season, the Giants got hot at the right time and managed to reach the title game after a relatively modest regular season. Their performances over the last few weeks -- including road wins over the NFC's top two seeds -- suggest a team plenty capable of defeating the Patriots on Sunday, and Vegas handicappers agree.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this Super Bowl matchup, head over to Pats Pulpit and Big Blue View. For more from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Super Bowl 2012: Steve Weatherford Giving Back To His Home Town

In this profile by ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford -- a former player at the University of Illinois -- comes off as quite the free spirit, prone to pulling pranks or walking around the locker room in the nude.

Related: Giants OL David Diehl Proud To Represent University Of Illinois

But he also hasn't forgotten where he came from and does plenty to help those in need back in his home town of Terre Haute, Indiana.

[Weatherford is] the guy who walks around the locker room with a shopping cart, collecting gently used sneakers and cleats that he donates to underprivileged kids in his hometown of Terre Haute, Ind.

The guy who sends autographed items to his old high school, which conducts auctions and gives the proceeds to needy families that can't pay their electric bills.

With the Super Bowl in Indianapolis this year, Weatherford was able to get back to his home town this week, and he was honored with a pep rally attended by more than 2,000 people.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this Super Bowl matchup, head over to Pats Pulpit and Big Blue View. For more from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Super Bowl 2012: Giants OL David Diehl Proud To Represent University Of Illinois

Players and analysts have talked about everything under the sun leading up to Sunday's Super Bowl matchup between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, but Giants offensive lineman David Diehl spent his time celebrating his loyalty to the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. The Chicago native and University of Illinois alumnus not only wears a Chief Illiniwek tattoo on his right upper arm, he also holds many fond memories of his time on campus:

"But I loved my five years I spent at the University of Illinois. The bonds, the people I met, the education I received...I can look back on those five years and say I wouldn't change anything about them. Being a guy from Chicago, staying in-state, that meant a lot to me. Winning a Big Ten title in 2001 and playing for coach [Ron] Turner...No. 1, playing for coach Turner gave me a huge boost going into the NFL and playing for the Giants my rookie year. For my five years at Illinois, I ran a pro offense, so when I got drafted by the Giants, I knew the entire offense. The only thing I had to do was switch terminology, which put me light years ahead of everybody else."

quotes via ESPN Chicago.

Diehl donated a weight room to the Illinois program two years ago, and still stays connected to the program. He is excited about new head coach Tim Beckman and the opportunity afforded to former Chicago Bears assistant coach Luke Butkus as an offensive line coach.

At the moment Diehl and the New York Giants are completely focused on capturing a Super Bowl title, but win or lose, Diehl will always celebrate his ties to the University of Illinois.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this Super Bowl matchup, head over to Pats Pulpit and Big Blue View. For more from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Super Bowl Recipes: Sweet Potato Fries Make A Great Super Bowl Appetizer

With the nation's biggest game only days away, food preparation has begun with as much intensity and seriousness as game-planning in the halls of the New York Giants and New England Patriots. For those home-bound chefs looking for a fast, impressive Super Bowl recipe, look no further than AllRecipes.com's Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Fries.

Unlike traditional fries, sweet potato fries bring with them a bucket of flavor and uncommon pomp that will make friends of the chef nod admiringly, secretly burning with jealousy. And, whereas traditional fries seem strange and naked without a burger on their shoulder, the sweet potato fry can be its own meals or a sidekick to something equally unusual (Bacon Whiskey Chili, perhaps?).

Also, though the recipe below does not say with explicitly, sweet potato fries can also come with a variety of seasonings -- they can be spicy, cajun, cinnamon-sugary, salty -- anything, really! And, in most forms, sweet potato fries make an excellent vehicle for barbecue sauces of all varieties.

Best of all? They are crazy easy to make:

Ingredients

6 sweet potatoes, cut into French fries

2 tablespoons canola oil

3 tablespoons taco seasoning mix*

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper*

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. In a plastic bag, combine the sweet potatoes, canola oil, taco seasoning*, and cayenne pepper*. Close and shake the bag until the fries are evenly coated. Spread the fries out in a single layer on two large baking sheets.
3. Bake for 30 minutes, or until crispy and brown on one side. Turn the fries over using a spatula, and cook for another 30 minutes, or until they are all crispy on the outside and tender inside. Thinner fries may not take as long.

*Alternatives include:

• chili powder, garlic powder, fresh pepper, kosher salt
  
• Cajun seasoning instead of taco seasoning
  
• onion powder, garlic powder, salt & pepper
  
• chili powder, sugar, and kosher salt
  
• curry powder instead of cayenne
  

Oh, plus this is all relatively healthy. WHAT?!

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this Super Bowl matchup, head over to Pats Pulpit and Big Blue View. For more from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Super Bowl 2012: Patriots' Logan Mankins Talks Franchise Tag, Matt Forte Should Take Note

Super Bowl media involves a lot of odd people and some very strange questions, but sometimes there a small nuggets that actually add some value to the conversation. One of those moments came on Tuesday when New England Patriots offensive lineman Logan Mankins answered a question about his long public contract dispute with the team before signing a six-year deal in August. The Patriots placed the franchise tag on Mankins in 2010, and he fought the decision by attempting to hold out, but feels differently about the whole process with the benefit of hindsight.

Mankins now says the franchise tag is "not the end of the world" and that getting too upset just isn't worth it when you still "get a ton of money for one year." All of this talk is something Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte should consider as he and the Bears approach a similar situation this offseason. Forte has suggested that he may hold out if he receives the franchise tag designation, but missing out on practice and stressing the relationship with the team may not always be the best way to get a long-term extension. Things worked out in the end for Mankins, but his honest perspective on just taking the franchise money and playing well is something to keep in mind as Forte mulls his next move.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this Super Bowl matchup, head over to Pats Pulpit and Big Blue View. For more from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Super Bowl Recipes: Maxwell Street Polish Sausage An Easy Option At Home

To offer up 2012 Super Bowl recipes on a Chicago regional site and not include a recipe for Maxwell Street Polish recipe would be a shame, so consider this a fulfillment of strong local traditions. If you like Polish sausage, grilled onions, sport peppers and yellow mustard, then this is the dish for you on Super Bowl Sunday. If you want to catch all the action between the New York Giants and New England Patriots and still know what's going on when people are talking about commercials the next day, this Food Network recipe takes just 10 min. of preparation and spends most of the time in the oven.

Full instructions in the ingredient list are both available here, but if you'd like the quick glance at the ingredients for your shopping list, here it is:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

4 links Polish kielbasa sausage, patted dry with a paper towel (about 1 1/2 pounds)

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 fresh poppy seed hot dog buns

Yellow mustard

6 to 10 pickled sport peppers

So the like to bring home that famous taste born in Chicago's Maxwell Street market district, now you have the tools and the information to make it happen. Enjoy the big game, and for more game coverage be sure to check out the links posted below.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this Super Bowl matchup, head over to Pats Pulpit and Big Blue View. For more from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Super Bowl Recipes: Halftime Chili Is Better With Bacon, Whiskey

For those of us stationed in Chicago, Super Bowl XLVI doesn't feature too much local intrigue. Instead, Sunday will be about the parties, which are inevitably about the food. A group of my friends is using the game as an excuse to throw our second annual "Chili Con Carnival", a tournament-style chili cooking competition where everyone's a winner.

Last year, I did a Google search for chili recipes and came across a gem: FamousChiliRecipes.com's Halftime blend. Here's the basic ingredients:

3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 8 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 pounds ground chuck (you can also substitute ground chicken or ground turkey)
• 1 envelope taco seasoning or 1/4 cup taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 15oz can tomato sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 6oz can tomato paste
• 2 15 to 16oz cans of kidney beans (drained)

As someone who ranks around a two out of 10 in terms of cooking ability, I can reliably tell you this is super easy. So far as "special" ingredients go? Last year, we used whiskey and bacon bits. Because, duh, those are the two best things.

Super Bowl 2012: Former Illinois Punter Steve Weatherford Excited For Championship Opportunity

There are two former University of Illinois players preparing with the New York Giants for Super Bowl XLVI: offensive lineman David Diehl, and punter Steve Weatherford. Weatherford, who was an all-conference player for the Illini, went undrafted in the 2006 NFL draft but caught on with the New Orleans Saints. He's also had stops in Jacksonville, Kansas City, and he spent two years with the Jets prior to joining the Giants.

Related: Super Bowl 2012, Key Matchup: Giants Defensive Line Vs. Patriots Offensive Line

Weatherford says the Giants are relishing the underdog role as they prepare to face the New England Patriots on Sunday:

"I’m not sure what the point spread is, but I can guarantee you we are underdogs," he added. "We are excited to get there, and officially we are the away team. We like that. When they put us as the underdogs and as the away team, you know that’s just a little more fuel for our fire."

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this Super Bowl matchup, head over to Pats Pulpit and Big Blue View. For more from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Super Bowl 2012: Illinois Alum David Diehl Can Win His Second Title With The Giants

The Fighting Illini will be represented in the Super Bowl.