"Throw the ball"!!!

The beginning of fall in my house means football. I'm not a football aficionado but Kal is. I can do Super Bowl and have had many parties here to celebrate it, but the continuous hours of football on Sundays is just not my cup of tea. So while I'm cooking or doing other things around the house, I continually hear, very loud I might add, "Get Rid of It" or "Run It" or "Go, Go, Go", like the players on the field can actually hear it. And although it's not of my interest and I find it hard to understand why grown men paint themselves orange or silver or red or whatever the team color is, I do appreciate the passion. And that in itself it good. But there is something that I do find intriguing and that is what happens before the game starts, the "tailgate party". And because I love to plan and have parties, that is something I can wrap my head around!

So, what goes into the "tailgate party"? It turns out a lot of prep and anything you want to bring to eat! There is some basic equipment, like coolers and a portable grill that are mandatory. You have to bring folding chairs and a table for the food. A pop-up canopy for shade or a change in the weather is also good to have. Paper plates and cups, napkins and condiments. And assigning items to bring to who is coming to the party is also a wise idea. Hot dogs, brats and burgers are standard fare. Maybe someone brings a pot of chili, wings, chips and dips and of course, desserts. Bring a football to toss around and a portable speaker for some music to keep the energy up. Make sure you have a supply of trash bags for easy clean up, weather gear like ponchos, jackets and blankets for any change in the weather. And yes, for that touch of team spirit, face paint, banners and foam fingers! Last, but not least, a selection of beverages and you are set to party!

Now, what to eat. Let's start with the easy stuff first. Franks, brats and burgers. Make it easy and get the frozen burgers (Costco has a great selection) and store all of this in a cooler with ice packs. Don't forget the buns and condiments. Also keep it simple. Ketchup, mustard, relish. Wings are always a big thing at games and my grandson Zach is always asking for them so here a recipe to prepare before you go!

ECU Tailgate Wings (courtesy of All Recipes)

This is a recipe I found that originated from a tailgate party at East Carolina University. It's easy and delicious!

Ingredients

I c water

1/2 c soy sauce

1/2 Worcester sauce

1/4 c minced ginger root

1/4 c sugar

2 limes, quartered

a pinch of red pepper flakes or to taste

3 lbs of chicken wings

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients except the wings in a gallon size sealable bag and shake to combine. Add the wings and refrigerate 24 to 48 hours.

2. Preheat your outdoor grill, medium heat and oil grates lightly.

3. Drain the marinade and cook the wings, turning occasionally, for 25 to 30 min or until juices run clear.

4. Enjoy!

If you or one of the attendees are up for making chili this is the best.

This came from The New York Times by Sarah DiGregorio and every time I have made it, people want the recipe. It's made in a slow cooker or crock pot so it's very easy but it's the best chili you will ever taste!

Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow or red onion, finely chopped

Kosher salt

2 pounds ground beef, 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat

8 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

1 tablespoon sweet paprika

2 teaspoons chipotle powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons mustard powder

2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne powder

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

12ounces (1½ cups) pilsner beer, such as Modelo Especial or any dark beer

1 (14-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes in juice

¼ cup cider vinegar

2 tablespoons maple syrup or dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons beef stock bouillon paste, such as Better Than Bouillon

1½teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 (14-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

2 (14-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Hot sauce, grated sharp Cheddar, sliced scallions, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips, for

serving

Directions

1. Step 1

   Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef and garlic, season with salt and cook, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spatula, until the beef has lost its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened and caramelized, about 1 minute. Stir in all the spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beer and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan.

2. Step 2

   Transfer the beef mixture into a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, beef bouillon pastes, cocoa, beans and ½ cup water. Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours. (The chili can hold well on warm for an additional 2 hours.)

3. Step 3

   When ready to serve, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. If the chili is too thick, stir in a bit of water until the texture is to your liking. Season to taste with salt. Serve in bowls and pass the toppings.

Tip

• You can also cook the chili in a Dutch oven on your stovetop in about 1 hour. In step 2, add 1 cup water instead of ½ cup and let the mixture come to a simmer over medium-high. (Because the cooking liquid reduces further on the stovetop, this method starts with more water.) Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.

• If taking to tailgate, cook and wrap in a towel or blanket to insulate to keep warm.

Garlic Parmesan Pretzel Mix (Courtesy Pioneer Woman)

Besides the usual potato chips and corn chips to munch, try this tasty snack mix. It only takes ten minutes to do, and people will love it!

Ingredients

2 c. pretzel sticks

2 c. mini pretzel twists

2 c. pretzel squares

1 stick salted butter

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. sugar

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 c. grated parmesan cheese

Directions

• 1. Combine the pretzel sticks, mini pretzel twists and pretzel squares in a large bowl. 

• 2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan; stir in the garlic powder, sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the butter mixture over the pretzels and toss. Sprinkle with 1 cup grated parmesan cheese and toss again. 

• 3. Spread on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350˚, about 15 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, then transfer to a bowl.

• Store in airtight container.

  
  

Everyone loves nachos and here's a simple and quick way have them for a tailgate and these

nachos heat up right on the grill!

Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos (Courtesy of the Pioneer Woman)

Ingredients

4 c. shredded rotisserie chicken (pick one up at Costco, they're perfect for this)

1 c. barbecue sauce

1 12-ounce bag tortilla chips

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 c. pickled jalapeños

Sour cream, Pico de Gallo, sliced scallions, and sour cream, for topping

Directions

• 1.Heat the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a large skillet until hot and bubbling, about 10 minutes.

• 2. Spread half of the tortilla chips in the bottom of a large disposable aluminum baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the chicken mixture, 1 cup shredded cheddar and ¼ cup pickled jalapeños. Repeat with the remaining chips, chicken, cheese, and jalapeños.

• 3. Cover with foil and grill over medium-high heat until melted, about 10 minutes. Top with sour cream, Pico de Gallo, sliced scallions and chopped cilantro.

Now for the desserts. Everyone loves brownies and this is the best brownie recipe I have ever made. It comes from The Greek Yogurt Kitchen by Toby Amidor. I've mentioned this book before, the plum clafoutis comes from here as well as the berry smoothie. This recipe is easily doubled and if you do that, use a 9 x 13 pan.

Light and Dark Chocolate Brownies (Courtesy of the Greek Yogurt Kitchen)

Equipment

8x8 baking dish

double boiler

off set spatula

Ingredients

Cooking spray

3 oz 60% dark chocolate

1/4 c (1/2 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature

3/4 c unbleached all-purpose flour

1/3 c unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt (I have used plain yogurt)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon coffee powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips

Directions

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray baking dish and set aside.

2. Coarsely chop the dark chocolate. Place the chocolate and butter in the top of the double boiler set over simmering water and slowly melt, stirring until completely combined, about 5 minutes.

3. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for about 5 minutes.

4. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently to combine.

5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sugar and yogurt. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until each one is incorporated. Stir in the instant coffee powder, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture, stirring until completely combined.

6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet, and gently fold in to combine. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.

8. Gently tap the dish against the counter to release any air bubbles. I always but a dish towel on the counter to do these.

9. Put in the oven and bake about 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

10. Allow the brownies to cook about 10 min before cutting into 2-inch squares.

    
    
    
    

    Cookies are the easiest things to bring for a dessert and here is something really easy and quick. You'll use cake mix to make them which speeds up the process! You only need 3 ingredients to make these, and they will be a hit!

    
    

    Cake Mix Cookies (Courtesy of Cookies and Cups)

    
    

Ingredients

(18.25 – ounce) box cake mix (any kind)

2 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup add-ins like chocolate chips or M&M’s or sprinkles

1. Directions

   1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

   2. In a large bowl mix together cake mix, eggs, and oil until smooth. Alternately you can do this step in the bowl of your standard mixer or hand mixer, mixing ingredients on low until combined.

   3. Mix in desired add-ins until evenly incorporated.

   4. Using a medium (2- tablespoon) cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet 2- inches apart. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges.

   5. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

   Notes:

   • Mix-In Ideas

     Keep these chewy cookies simple and leave them plain or do some add ins like the following:

     • Chocolate Chips

     • M&M’s

     • White Chips

     • Reese’s Pieces

     • Chopped Candy Bars

     • Sprinkles

     • Peanut Butter Chips

     • Substitutions & Recipe Variations

       Feel free to use your imagination with these cookies! Here are some cake mix and add-in pairings to inspire you:

       • Red Velvet + White Chips

       • Chocolate Cake + Peanut Butter Chips

       • Carrot Cake + White Chips

       • Spice Cake + Cinnamon Chips

       • Vanilla Cake + Fruity Pebbles

       • Lemon Cake + White Chips

       • Strawberry Cake + Mini Chocolate Chips

       • Chocolate Cake + Rolo Candies

Now that I wrote about all these goodies, I am reconsidering my enthusiasm for the game.

I just put on Bronco's "Hurry, Hurry" sweatshirt and although I don't have orange face paint, I do have lipstick and blush! So pass those nachos, and "throw that ball!"

Have fun at the game!

Liz❤️

(As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small compensation for any purchases you make while shopping on Amazon as a result of coming to Amazon through one of my links)