A winter sports watch-party menu: warm food for a cold evening

Winter sports are made for the sofa. Skiing, skating, hockey and curling all look best with a blanket and a mug in hand, and the long broadcasts give you plenty of time to eat. The challenge is to feed everyone well without spending the whole event in the kitchen.

The plan: warm, easy, hands-free

A good watch-party menu has three layers:

Something warm in a mug as people arrive.
One main that looks after itself, ideally in a slow cooker or low oven.
A table of snacks people can graze on during the event.

Pick one or two items from each. You don’t need all of them.

Warm drinks

Hot chocolate bar. Heat milk gently (don’t boil), whisk in good chocolate, and set out marshmallows, cinnamon, whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Spiced apple cider. Simmer apple juice with cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange slices for 20 minutes. Keep it warm in a slow cooker on low. For an adult version, offer a bottle of rum or bourbon on the side, so guests can add their own.
Tea and coffee. Keep a kettle nearby. Have decaf available.

Always keep a non-alcoholic option for drivers and for anyone who prefers it.

The main: a pot that cooks itself

Chili

Brown 1 kg of ground beef or turkey with an onion and garlic. Add two cans of tomatoes, two cans of beans, chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika. Simmer for at least an hour, or cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours. Offer toppings: cheese, sour cream, green onions and tortilla chips. Make a vegetarian pot with extra beans and sweet potato.

Beef and barley stew

Brown cubes of stewing beef, then add onions, carrots, celery, stock and pearled barley. Cook low and slow for 2 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender. It reheats well and is satisfying on a cold evening.

Pulled pork sliders

Rub a pork shoulder with salt, paprika, garlic and brown sugar. Cook it in a slow cooker for 8 hours, until it shreds easily. Pile it into soft buns with coleslaw.

Creamy tomato soup and grilled cheese

For a lighter crowd, serve a big pot of tomato soup with small grilled cheese sandwiches cut into triangles. Keep sandwiches warm on a tray in a low oven.

Snacks that don’t need a plate

Baked potato skins with cheese and bacon
Roasted nuts with rosemary (label them for nut allergies)
Soft pretzels with mustard
Veggie sticks with a yogurt dip
Popcorn with different seasonings: smoked paprika, parmesan, cinnamon sugar
Sausage rolls or mini meatballs in a slow cooker

Dessert

Keep it simple: a tray of brownies, sliced oranges, or an apple crumble that bakes while the event is on and comes out just as people are ready for something sweet. Serve with vanilla ice cream or custard.

Timing

The day before: make the chili or stew and refrigerate in shallow containers. The flavour improves.
Morning of: start the slow cooker for pulled pork, or reheat the stew gently.
An hour before guests arrive: set out snacks, warm the drinks, and put out bowls and spoons.
During the event: the host’s only job is to top up mugs and enjoy the broadcast.

What can go wrong

Hot food sitting out too long. Keep hot food above 60 degrees C and refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
Spills on the sofa. Use mugs with handles and bowls with wide bases, and put a tray or a tea towel on every lap.
Allergies. Label dishes, especially those with nuts, dairy or gluten.
Too much food too early. Stagger the courses. A sudden feast at the opening ceremony leaves everyone sleepy by the first break.
Cold feet. Set out a basket of slippers or wool socks. Guests will be glad of them.

A quiet finish

The best watch parties are not about who wins. They are about the shared gasp when someone nearly falls, and the second helping of stew that follows. Keep the pot warm, keep the lights low and keep the kettle on. For more cosy gatherings, see our dinner parties section.

This article is general cooking and food-safety information, not medical advice. Please drink responsibly and check guests’ dietary needs.