Foodie Friday: Tailgate Recipes & More

Ready for some football? Whether you are or not, chances are your spouses are. For many like myself, eating and drinking in Fall's cool crisp air, is even more fun than the game itself. Chips and burgers are fine, but why not wow your crowd with something creative? I promise that this recipe roundup will score big with 
football fans. 

The Best Bloody Mary Bar
If you are starting early, like the most die hard fans do, a Bloody Mary is a must. Make it a bar, and you now have everyone's attention. Your guests are interacting and serving themselves. It's a win win for everyone. This article gives you great tips on making the best bloodies ever!
Williams Sonoma Taste

Baked Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots
These tempting treats begin as mashed sweet potatoes and turn into a real crowd pleaser! The secret to their deliciousness is rolling the mashed potatoes in panko 
bread crumbs!
Half Baked Harvest

Annoyingly Addicting Bourbon
 Apple Fritters
These fab fritters have bourbon in the dough and in the glaze. Just what a tailgater wants. The more booze the merrier. I have to admit, I had an apple fritter last weekend, but without the bourbon. I can only imagine....
Broma Bakery

Pumpkin Queso Fundido
What an indulgent treat that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.  It's up to you if you allow
 double dipping! 
How Sweet Eats

Tailgate Table Accessories
If game day is your theme, these accessories score big!
Fancy Celebration

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos
Citrus infused pork shoulder is a crowd pleaser. Put this together the night before in your slow cooker. Assemble the day of. Impressive, right?
Hy-Vee

Crispy Blackberry Honey Jalapeno 
Chicken Wings
Am I the only person you know that has never had a chicken wing? They are just "eewww" to me. But I know that they are a stadium staple for hungry fans. If I were to make them, it would be this recipe. Their gorgeous color and tart and sticky honey sweet taste, really step up this football classic.  PS. The wings are made with gluten-free flour.
Heather Christo

Cheese "Burker" Sliders & Samuel Adams Ketchup
You have to love a recipe that is made with four bottles of lager! Recipe by David Burke so you know it must be good. Sliders are fun and easier to eat standing up. Going the extra mile with the pickle and tomato makes these 
extra special.
Tailgate Magazine

Bourbon Pecan Fudge Brownies
I like the way the recipe author thinks. She and I both consider bourbon always a good substitute for vanilla. And like a good bourbon, these tasty treats get better with age. So feel free to make them ahead of game day.
Love and Olive Oil

Mini Chili Bowl Bites
Another easy to eat recipe. Aren't they the cutest? What you see is a pretzel bite hollowed out with a melon baller. Clever!
Bakers Royale

Olympia Provisions Football Summer Sausage
Here's center stage for your next game day cheese board. It's also the best host gift you can bring to any football celebration.
Isn't it great?
Food52

Apple Butter Old Fashioned
This cocktail just screams Fall. If you want to class up your game day experience, serve these.
Half Baked Harvest

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Foodie Friday: Food For Hungry Fans

Foodie Friday: Food For Hungry Fans

A tailgate party is uniquely American. It doesn't matter what state you live in, Saturdays and Sundays were made for Fall football and fun food for hungry fans.  The best parties seem to be on college campuses. You simply can't beat those held at the University of Notre Dame. Such fun! This recipe roundup features elevated football fare that will score with any crowd.

Here: 20 Recipes & Tailgate Essentials

Apple Cider Sangria
Here's a drink with all of the Fall feels! I think the key ingredient is thee Ginger Brandy.
How Sweet Eats

Pumpkin Pie White Chocolate Brownies

If brownies. pumpkin pie, and white chocolate fudge had a baby, this would be it. Easy to transport and oh so "fall-ish."

Broma Bakery

Baked Ziti

I don't eat pasta, but everyone else does. Even though I don't, I have a spoon ready to dig into this casserole. With three kinds of cheeses, ground beef and Italian sausage, 

it is sure to be delish.

Food Network

Cheesy Everything Dogs In A Blanket

Hot dogs are pretty standard at a tailgate party. Why not raise the bar with this delicious dog? The recipe calls for Nitrate Free hot dogs, which I applaud. Nitrates are a potent and known carcinogen. Yuck.

My Modern Cookery

Casserole Carriers

Here's your new tailgate bestie! Those disposable foil pans are handy, but not worth a darn when trying to transport them. This clever carrier gets your dish there with style!

Food52

Cheeseburger Bloody Mary's

Feeling fancy? These will impress your guests. Aren't they just the cutest things ever?

Taste With The Eyes

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches w/Bacon, Pineapple Caramelized Onions + Jerk 

BBQ Sauce

Your basic ham and cheese sandwich isn't very exciting. Add bacon, pineapple, caramelized onions + jerk bbq sauce, and you have an exceptional little treat!

Half Baked Harvest

Banana Fritters On A Stick 
Fritters on a stick are not a new thing, but these have been jazzed up with Peanut Sugar spiced with cinnamon, and a Mexican Chocolate Sauce. Enough said. Make extra!
Half Baked Harvest

RS Barcelona BBQ Grill
The Mon Oncle goes where you go. When closed it looks like an elegant briefcase. Open it up and it is a portable table top grill. Tailgate terrific!
AHAlife

Crispy Blackberry Honey Jalapeno 
Chicken Wings
Everyone makes wings (except for me), but most do not look quite as appealing as these. The idea of a sweet and spicy recipe is 
always a good thing.
Heather Christo

Roasted Cauliflower Enchiladas
Having a really good vegetarian dish at any party is a smart idea. Everything is fresh in the recipe
 includingthe sauce. My kind of dish!
Give Me Some Oven

Alexander Wang Leather Cooler
For those who take their pleasures seriously. This insulated carrier is the best fashion accessory for game day. The inside features a removable stainless steel liner case. Dom Perignon anyone? After the game, it becomes a pretty fancy lunch box!
Alexander Wang

Truffle Bacon Popcorn
Sweet and salty. The perfect combination! Love the idea of serving these in cupcake wrappers. Better than all of your guests digging in with their hands!!
Foodie Crush

Hot Bacon Cheese Dip
Because everything is better with bacon. Serve it with sliced French bread or tortilla chips. 
Taste Of Home

Cajun Jambalaya Nachos
Now this is what you call elevating a staple recipe. The author has stacked layers and layers of shrimp, chicken breast, Kielbasa, oodles of gooey cheese and so much more. It will be a stylish surprise for your guests.
Waiting On Martha

Cheese Boat
I think everyone will agree that cheese is always a winner at any gathering.....especially if you are from Wisconsin.  This appetizer goes one step further. There is corn beef
 in the mix. 
Food Network

Football Bean Bag Toss Game
I don't know exactly why, but this game seems to be a "must have" at any tailgater. This is a real pro model with a major sporty vibe.
Nordstrom

More Cupcakes
Asked to bring something to the party, but you don't bake? Order these instead. You won't find a better cupcake in my view. They will score big with the guests with flavors like, Salted Caramel, Valrhona Chocolate, and Vanilla Chocolate. They are shipped frozen, which guarantees freshness. They are fab!!
Williams Sonoma

Game Day Beer Chili
Personally, I can't wait until it is cool enough to really enjoy a hot bowl of chili. And though, I never use a recipe for chili, I was happy to see some of the interesting ingredients for this recipe. Think, pure maple syrup, smoked paprika (there is a difference), and both Italian sausage and ground beef. Just like I do it, and it 
is always delicious.
How Sweet Eats

Crock Pot Single Hand Cook & Carry

First of all, target has a sale on Crock Pot brand slow cookers, including this handy dandy problem solver. if you have ever tried to transport a normal slow cooker, you know that is a nightmare and a mess ready to happen. 

Target

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Foodie Friday: Up Your Football Food Game!

Happy days are here again in my household. Of course, I am talking about Mr. Shop This! He has both baseball (Go Cubbies!) and football to watch. Pretty exciting for sports fans. All of that TV and tailgating is hard work and makes one hungry. Time to feed the fans. 

HERE: 19 Game Day Recipes & Cooks' Tools 

Football Cupcakes
I love to start with dessert first! These cute cupcakes will get the party going, and you don't even have to make them. Designed exclusively for Williams-Sonoma by More Cupcakes....my favorite Chicago cupcakery! A great idea to send to a college student.
Williams-Sonoma

Blue Cheese Guacamole Stuffed Mushrooms with Buffalo Sauce
Everyone loves good Guac, but it is kind of expected. The general big bowl of guacamole also encourages douple dipping. This one bite recipe eliminates the double dip. 
Half Baked Harvest

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Like a deconstructed Buffalo Chicken Wing, but so much better. Can you believe that I have never had wings? It has something to do with my bird phobia. I realize the world loves them, and your guests will love this recipe too.
Gimme Some Oven 

Caramelized Onion Hush Puppies
Southern Tailgaters are no strangers to this fan favorite.  Surprise them with this tasty twist
On Sugar Mountain

S'mores Cookies On a Stick
Everyone loves a cookie! This one is fun for both big and little kids.
Bakers Royale

Spinach, Artichoke  + Bacon Stuffed Soft Pretzels
Once again, this is how you get around double dipping. Take everyone's favorite hot dip and stuff a fresh homemade pretzel. Doesn't this sound like the best sandwich ever?
Half Baked Harvest

Honey Sriacha Chicken Flatbread
A sweet and spicy combo with a refreshing bite of cilantro. This dish promises to be crunchy but chewy, soft and melty. Most of all it is super flavorful and oh so good looking.
How Sweet Eats

Mon Oncle Barbeque
Grilling on the go. This briefcase barbecue is made for tailgating!
Food52

Sweet Potato Skins
I have never tried these. Don't they sound interesting? The mix of the sweet potato with the spicy salsa verde is a nice twist on the classic appetizer.
Food Network

Pull Apart Pretzel Skillet With Beer Cheese Dip
The only dip you need.
Host The Toast

Onion Rings With Sriacha Bacon
Yes, you read that right! If you love a sweet and savory bite, this is it. The bacon wrapped rings have been dipped in a honey, soy, and sriracha glaze. Oh boy!
Kirbie's Cravings

S'mores Popcorn

This dish changes everything. It is the thing to bring or serve for those who do not enjoy cooking. I wish I had thought of this.
Popsugar 

Crockpot Carne Asada Beer Chili
Every year I try to improve my chili recipe. This is the one I am going to try this Fall. As the author says: "Hello, avocado, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, grilled corn, green onions, FRITOS and maybe even some sour cream or greek yogurt, if you’re into it!" Enough said.
Half Baked Harvest

Kalua Pork Sliders
Made in the slow cooker, this meat is flavorful and juicy. Perhaps it is the coarse Hawaiian Sea Salt, the recipe calls for. It is all topped with a blueberry mago salsa, which makes it super fresh. Find the Sea Salt at Amazon
How Sweet Eats 

Touchdown Brownies
These are sure to be a gameday winner. They are super fudgy and loaded with caramel, pecans and pretzels.  Find that cute Table Runner at Swoozies and the recipe at
The Baker Mama

Turkey Meatball Sandwich
{ Gluten Free Dairy Free }
Doesn't everyone love a good meatball? These are for the GF guests on your list. They will really appreciate your thoughtfulness! They taste good, too!
Heather Christo

Rolling Cooler
A preppy plaid cooler is game day ready (along with the perfect travel blanket.) What a great gift for the professional tailgater!
Mark & Graham

Raspberry Chipotle Black Bean Dip

I don't find bean dip very interesting. This recipe changes my mind. The idea of pairing smokey chipotle with sweet raspberry sounds fabulous!
Minimalist Baker 

Impossibly Easy Mini Buffalo Chicken Pies

With a title like that, these might be worth a try. They are made with old school Bisquick!
Betty Crocker

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Foodie Friday: Tailgate With Style