{pretzel, bbq pork & sweet potato burgers}

Yes- you read the title of this post correctly.  Does it sort of sound like I have lost my mind and threw a bunch of random stuff from our fridge into a burger?  I wish I could say that was the situation, but I consciously made the decision to put these ingredients together after discovering the existence of pretzel buns at Trader Joe's the other day. This burger is just that same old salty/sweet mix that never fails to satisfy so really it's not that crazy of an ingredient combo.  The salty pretzel bun mixed with sweet and tangy BBQ pulled pork makes for a pretty flavorful combination on their own- plus the pea sprouts and sweet potatoes thrown for some added crunch!

These burgers are the perfect item to bring to that super bowl party you are invited to this weekend not just because they take minimal prep and look fancy in addition to tasting good, but because they taste good cold.  Serving things at the correct temperature is always rough when it's pot luck situation where food has to travel and then also hang out among other guest's food for extended periods of time.  While I do prefer these burgers served warm, they definitely aren't going to disappoint anyone once they cool down! 

Recipe below the pretty pictures and check out what I made for the Super Bowl last year right here. 

{because sriracha makes everything better}

BBQ pulled pork pretzel burgers with Sweet Potatoes & Pea Sprouts

• pretzel buns from Trader Joe's
• microwavable container of ready made BBQ pulled pork from Trader Joes**
• one container of pea sprouts
• one sweet potato
• sriracha to taste
• mustard to taste
• 1/4 stick of butter

1. peel sweet potatoes. cut into 1/4 inch thick slices- about 2 to 3 slices per burger. brush slices with vegetable oil and roast in 450 degree oven until tender (about 10 minutes).  then pan-sear slices to add a little color and crispy-ness.
2. cut pretzel buns in half, lightly coat inside with butter and toast. 
3. heat BBQ pork in microwave according to directions on packaging. 
4. place sweet potato slices on burger, then add about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the pulled pork.  Top with pea sprouts, sriracha & mustard!
5. optional: spear burger with some cute and decorative! :)

**note if there isnt a Trader Joe's near you: there is a Jack Daniels version of this BBQ pulled pork that I have seen in the frozen aisle of most big chain grocery stores. I can't vouch for the taste since I have never tried it, but I don't think whiskey ever hurt anybody...

{super bowl mini 7 layer dips}

I really love the Super Bowl even though I don't watch any football otherwise.  The Super Bowl centers around great food, friends, funny commercials and a little gambling- so really what's not to like!?! Plus I work for a company that licenses and manufacturers vintage NFL product so I always have the ability to dress up and root for whichever team I want (usually its the Vikings or the Dolphins because they have the most fun team colors).

I spotted these great Super Bowl printables on Pinterest and I knew I had to find something to use them for.  Although decorative flags like this are normally used on cupcakes, I didn't really feel that cupcakes are appropriate game day food.  So instead I went the savory route and created this individual 7 Layer dip by following this recipe.  I have professed my love for regular food in mini form many times in the past so I wont go into that now, but if you wanna relive some of the past magic you can do so here, here & here. 

These individual layer dips are a great party dish since your guests can grab a dip along with a handful of chips and park themselves on the couch until half time. I recommend that you use a wider/shallower cup than the one I used and also make the layers a bit thinner for ease of dipping and getting all layers on a single chip.  You can download and print the flags by clicking here, then simply attach them to bamboo skewers or toothpicks with a dab of hot glue.