Whether you're an avid football watcher or a commercial critic, Super Bowl parties give you an excuse to indulge in great food and beverages. While chicken wings, chips and salsa, burgers and a 12 pack of beer remain staples in the world of sports cuisine, how can you really bring your game to the kitchen this weekend? Behind the Burner's here to make your Super Bowl affair a game-winning touchdown.

Can't Beat Meat

Although the Jets fell just short of the Super Bowl, this dish surely won't fall short of your expectations. NY Jets' hard-hitting linebacker Calvin Pace gave Behind the Burner the scoop on his savory Yogurt Marinated Chicken. Pace spices these chicken thighs with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, salt and pepper; marinates them in Greek Style yogurt and tomato paste for at least an hour, and throws them on the grill to create a hassle-free, juicy meal. Check out his winning recipe.

Too cold to take it to the grill? Tasty Super Bowl treats are just as easy in the kitchen. A pot of chili is a sure fire way to go for chilly weather. Sauté minced garlic and jalapeños in extra virgin olive oil; brown ground beef spiced with salt, pepper and taco seasoning and add 4 large cans of tomato sauce. Simmer the mixture in the pot and enjoy the game, but don't forget to stir!

This Mexi-CAN

They like it hot in Miami, so change up the boring chips and salsa regimen with spicy sausage or fresh queso dip. Both are effortless additions to the menu.

Spicy Sausage Dip: Brown a pound of sausage or chorizo (if you like it a little hot) spiced with salt and pepper, then add a package of cream cheese and an 8 oz. can of tomatoes with green chiles or jalapeños. Serve warm with your choice of tortilla chips.

Fresh Queso Dip: Sauté minced garlic with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, salt and pepper in extra virgin olive oil. Add Oaxaca cheese and melt. Serve with tortilla chips.

The Big Easy vs. Nap Town

Whether you're from the Deep South or the Midwest, food that keeps you coming back for more is the essential element for a great game (even if it's a blowout). Get into team spirit with these authentic dishes and drinks:

New Orleans
New Orleans is home to a rich cuisine culture, characterized by everything Cajun and Creole. Po-boy sandwiches, jambalaya, crawfish and beignets washed down with an Abita Amber are just some of the authentic eats hailing from NOLA. For the supreme Saints experience, mix up a pot of D'Artagnan's Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo.

Shake it up behind the bar with the most famous cocktail of New Orleans, the Sazerac. This cocktail has been altered throughout history, originally made with cognac and absinthe. However, its adaptation has resulted in a drink that's easy to sip and finish.

Sazerac:
3 oz. of rye whiskey
3/4 oz. of simple syrup
Peyschaud bitters to taste
Absinthe/absinthe substitute (Herbsaint, Pernod, Absente)
Lemon twist for garnish

For those with a sweeter palate or a taste for Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street, the Hurricane makes its mark as one of the most popular drinks of the South.

Hurricane:
2 oz. of light rum
2 oz. of dark rum
2 oz. of passion fruit juice
1 oz. of orange juice
Juice of half a lime
1 tbsp. simple syrup
1 tbsp. grenadine
Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Indianapolis
While Indy may not be known for its original cuisine (besides Steak and Shake), there's one thing Hoosiers know how to make: breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches with all the fixins. Don't be shy with the spices when preparing this savory treat. After slitting the meat, put minced garlic, tarragon, salt, pepper and olive oil into the crevices. Top the tenderloin with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley then bake at 350 degrees until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees; cut and enjoy!

Wash down this Indianapolis treat with a Colt 45. (No, not the malt liquor.) This gun definitely has a kick through the uprights with 1 ounce of gin, 2 ounces of Jägermeister, and Red Bull Energy Drink on ice.

Feel like getting into some Colts colors? Go Blue with an Indianapolitan, a twist on the good ol' white cranberry martini.

Indianapolitan (Created by Beth Cartier):
1 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. Blue Curacao
Splash of white cranberry juice
Lime juice

Super Sustenance

With its million dollar commercials, barely believable catches, momentum-changing moments and emotional rants at the television; the Super Bowl always promises to be a lively event. Super Bowl XLIV should be a nail-biter of a game, but there will be no Hail Mary with these eats, guaranteeing that you and your guests come back for more than just one bite. The Super Bowl may last only one night, but these recipes may enter the Hall of Fame before Manning does.