Whip up some Boston Cream cupcakes to cheer on the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Jessica Webster | AnnArbor.com

Whether you're planning to root for former University of Michigan quarterback Tom Brady and his New England Patriots, or you're in a New York Giants state of mind, this year's Super Bowl matchup lends itself to some great menu ideas.

If you're a Patriots fan, you've got to be drinking some good New England beer. Try Sam Adams lager or Vermont's Magic Hat #9, both available in most grocery stores across town. Are cocktails more your speed? Mix yourself up a Cape Cod or Cosmopolitan with a healthy dose of cranberry juice, as the cranberry is the state berry of Massachusetts.

At some point in the evening, you should probably indulge in a bowl of New England Clam Chowder. If you're in the mood for cooking, try Emeril Lagasse's recipe. Otherwise, several local restaurants feature clam chowder as one of their rotating daily soups. (And when all else fails, there's always Progresso.)

Once you hit the fourth quarter, it's time to break out the dessert. Vermont's Ben & Jerry's ice cream could fit the bill. If you're in a baking mood, you could whip up a Boston Cream pie, or my recipe for Boston Cream cupcakes.

Giants fan? Well that's easy. Start off with a good Genny Cream Ale, brewed in upstate New York. Cocktails with a New York theme are plentiful. The Manhattan is obvious, as is the Long Island Iced Tea. Another great New York drink is The Bronx, dreamed up by a bartender at the Waldorf Astoria at the beginning of the last century.

A quick stop at your favorite deli for a corned beef or pastrami on rye and an egg cream is next. While you're out, you can also pick up a thin-crust New York-style pizza at New York Pizza Depot.

Finally, cap your New York night off with a creamy New York style cheesecake or a classic black and white cookie.

Me? I'll be hedging my bets with some Sam Adams and a slice of thin crust pizza. And I'll be rooting for Michigan's own Madonna during the half time show.

Jessica Webster leads the Food & Grocery section for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at JessicaWebster@AnnArbor.com.