Game day is coming up, and you’re already wondering what to add to your viewing party menu. Finger foods are always a convenient option, but you might want something a bit more sophisticated than the usual nachos and corndogs. Here are three great football-themed finger foods that even the most foodie guests will love.

Zesty Popcorn Mix [bhg.com]
Instead of grabbing a bag of snack mix from the grocery store, make your own using flavorful herbs, spices, and other ingredients. This recipe shows you how to create a sweet, spicy, and salty mixture using unlikely combinations, such as dried apricots, cayenne pepper, and popcorn.

Shanghai Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce [myrecipes.com]
For an Asian-inspired appetizer, these tasty spring rolls have a gourmet taste without the gourmet preparation. Simply combine ground pork, fresh shrimp, and vegetables with a homemade sweet chili sauce on the side, and wrap the whole thing up in spring roll wrappers to create a handheld dish your guests will devour.

Football Cheese Ball [allrecipes.com/]
Transform the usual cheese ball into a football to make the perfect dish for your upcoming game day bash. This one is especially great if you’re pressed for time, as it’s very easy to whip up and serve with your favorite crackers.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Vox Efx

If you’re looking for a way to really immerse yourself in the Louisville community, becoming a member of the Louisville Free Public Library is a great option. This longtime area resource is home to thousands of books and other types of reading materials, from periodicals and research books to magazines and historical documents. There is a large children’s section that the little ones will love, and it frequently hosts story times and other family-friendly activities that you’ll have access to with a library card.

The building itself is very large and architecturally beautiful, as Tachau and Pilcher Architects of New York City designed it way back in 1906. There are stone columns out front and intricate décor throughout the inside, while the contemporary North Building, designed by Louis and Henry Architects of Louisville, added on to the library’s campus later on in 1969.

Experience a piece of Louisville history while fostering a love of learning at the Louisville Free Public Library.

Louisville Free Public Library
301 York St
Louisville, KY 40203
(502) 574-1611
www.lfpl.org/branches/main.htm

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Magnus MWW

If you’re strapped for cash this holiday season or a bit burned out from all of the crowded malls, you may want to make gifts by hand for your loved ones instead of purchasing them. Here are three great ideas for handmade holiday gifts that are much more special than something store-bought.

Mason Jar Soup Mixes
If you’re searching for the perfect gift for a foodie friend, try making homemade soup mixes in adorable mason jars. This tutorial offers more than 30 different types of soups to choose from, and the various ingredients will look decorative and colorful when layered inside of the jar.

Snuggly Shawl
This stylish shawl is easy to make as a gift no matter your level of knitting expertise. It’s so simple that you can work on it bit by bit while you relax at home, and the end result is so fashionable and functional that your loved one will wear it all winter long.

Peppermint Candy Sugar Scrub
For the beauty product enthusiast, this DIY sugar scrub is a luxurious and deliciously scented holiday gift. All of the ingredients are entirely natural and safe to use, and the lovely pink and white colors look adorable when poured into the glass jar. Best of all, the peppermint scent is perfect for the winter season.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Sarah