Footballs, soccer balls, baseballs and other sports equipment can usually be made from synthetic materials. In the case of some equipment, the synthetic stuff is actually superior to the stuff made from dead animal skins. But old habits die hard and so professional American football games are still played using a leather ball.

Even though pro footballs are leather, that doesn’t mean vegans should boycott the Super Bowl. Particularly when a Super Bowl party is a perfectly good excuse for sharing vegan food at a vegan potluck!

Traditionally, Super Bowl parties are filled with things like buffalo wings and beer. I suggest sticking to tradition, just omit the cruelty. So, for example, offer vegan versions of traditional favorites. Here are some ideas for vegan Super Bowl party potluck items for this year’s game:

• veggie burgers and veggie hot dogs
• vegan buffalo wings (try Gardien’s ideas)
• Saints fans: veganized New Orleans themed foods like red beans and rice or gumbo
• Saints: vegan king cake
• Colts fans: blue horseshoe shaped cake
• carrots and celery with vegan ranch dip
• fruit salad in a watermelon bowl that’s been painted to look like a football
• corn chips and bean dip
• quesadillas made with vegan cheese (try Daiya or may your own cashew nut cheese)
• vegan cupcakes or cookies with either Saints or Colts decorations on top

For the record, I’m rooting for the Saints!