Even if you don't follow football, you will probably celebrate Super Bowl XLIII, scheduled for this Sunday in Tampa, Fla., in some fashion. There is something for everyone at this annual extravaganza… the entertaining commercials, over the top pre-game and half time shows, and best of all, the perfect excuse to throw a party.

And here’s another fact: Super Bowl foods most closely associated with this event are geared more towards men and other carnivores instead of female fans. After reviewing the list of the Top 10 Super Bowl Foods of all time, I discovered some items on the list can be modified to appeal to the ladies or made as healthful as you like by the ingredients used. But that’s another column; I’m not promoting health on this one Sunday of the year.

Listed in the food Hall of Fame were chips, dips, and nuts, sandwiches, pizza, BBQ pork with all the fixings, chili, sausages, hot dogs and at the top…no surprise here: chicken wings.

I have no idea how wings became the unofficial football food of the world, but will utter no complaints. Wings are easy to make and small batches can be prepared if you are not sure how many people will be showing up.

The secret to great wings, as every self-respecting wing man knows, is in the sauce. There are almost as many brands and varieties of sauce these days as BBQ sauce and mustard. That tells a little something about how popular these mini-bites of meat have become.

Very little effort is required to enjoy wings – while most men claim they can’t multi-task, this doesn’t hold true when they face a pile of wings. A wing can reign supreme in one hand while flipping through channels with the remote and balancing a beverage on one knee. And it’s a satisfying meal that’s not only tasty and fun to eat, but can be completed with very little fuss and no muss. Is it any wonder wings are so popular with men?

To add a dash of variety and spice to your gathering this Sunday, try this recipe that has been tested more than once for our family gatherings, where wings are enjoyed by almost every member, but particularly the guys. They require a two-fold process of frying and baking, but the flavorful outcome is worth the extra step.

This Sunday, have fun, enjoy the game and don’t forget the wings!

Marany’s Chicken Wings

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 cup all-purpose flour for coating

1 cup butter

3 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoons water