First the kickoff, then the cookoff

Whenever an important football game is on the calendar, newspaper writers start bringing out game day recipes. These are often daunting for the average football fan. A typical recipe might begin "Take one large ox and dice into bite-size pieces." Reading such instructions, average f.f. says, "The heck with it. I'll go for the traditional--beef jerky and a six-pack."

We were surprised that not more viewers went with Denny Boyd's Grey Cup Special--Pot Roast in Coffee--so for Super Bowl Sunday, we have turned to James Barber's 1994 collection, "Peasant's Choice." This is Barber's Six-Pak Stu (that's how he spells it) and he promises a good time palate-wise even if your team doesn't triumph.

Ingredients: 1 pound stewing beef, cubed; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 onions, chopped; 1 1/2 bottles beer; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon basil; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 tablespoons oil; 1 potato, diced; 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar; 1 clove garlic, chopped; 1 teaspoon thyme; salt and pepper.

Pre-heat oven to 350.  Lightly coat beef in flour. Brown beef in butter and oil in a fry-pan over high heat. Reduce heat and add onions and potato. Add other ingredients, stir well, pour into casserole dish, and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Serves four.

While it's baking, you can drink that other half-bottle of beer and watch to see if Governor Chris Christie joins Renee Fleming in singing the national anthem.