Tailgating Hot And Cold

Football season is notorious for eating poorly and excessively.  It's one of those facts of life and being part of tailgating on a college campus, or anywhere for that matter.

Of course, no one ever wants to gain weight or fulfill the prediction of the "Freshman (or College) Fifteen", but that shouldn't prevent you from being social, having fun or contributing...right?

So here's a way around that--have it both ways! Bring two items to the party--one that's hot, spicy and "health-challenged":  Hot Jalapeño Cheese Dip--and the other, crunchy, simple and "better-for-you": Cool Cucumber Munchers. No need to stress. Don't be left out! Something for everyone!

To avoid confusion the recipes will be posted in sequence.

Hot Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Dip

(Original recipe calls for bacon.  I would recommend skipping that!)

Equipment:

8 x 10 Pyrex Oven-proof dish

Knife, for chopping

Mixing bowl

Ingredients:

(3 slices of bacon, diced and cooked crispy)

2 8 oz packages of 1/3 reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

1 cup mayonnaise

4-6 jalapeños, chopped and deseeded--leave some with seeds if you like it hot and fiery!

1 cup corn kernels

1 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar

1/2 cup of mozzarella 

1/3 cup of green onions, sliced

For the topping:

1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 stick butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

3. Make the bacon if you choose to use this.

4. Make the topping in a small bowl combining crushed crackers, cheese and butter. Set aside.

5. Combine the first 8 ingredients (bacon to green onions) into a bowl and mix well.

6. Transfer cream cheese mixture to the pyrex baking dish.  Choose size depending how thick you want the dip to be.  For thicker dip you will need to add extra baking time vs. thinner dip.

7. Sprinkle crumbled cracker mixture evenly on top.

8. Bake for 20-30 minutes.

9. Have your crackers waiting.

10. This is a great recipe to make the night before, put it in the fridge, and bake the next day when ready.

While that's baking, move on to your next success.

Cool Cucumber Munchers

Do not be deceived by the simplicity or that this entails cucumbers.

Equipment:

Oven or Toaster Oven

Baking Sheet

Mixing Bowl

Knife, for chopping and spreading

Ingredients:

1 French Baguette, small diameter

1-2 English Cucumbers or Regular Cucumbers, sliced 1/4" thick to fit bread round

4 oz of goat cheese / Chèvre  

1 clove garlic, minced

1-2 tsp of Fresh herbs, such as oregano, parsley and marjoram, chopped

Salt & Pepper

Tajin Chili Seasoning (optional and can be bought in Mexican / International Grocery stores.  Worth the investment since this is an ingredient used in several recipes that Jon has requested)

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Alternately peel the cucumber and slice into 1/4" rounds.

2. Slice the baguette into 1/4" rounds and toast slightly.

3. Combine the soft goat cheese with garlic, herbs, S & P, and a pinch of Tajin (if available)

4. Spread cream cheese mixture on to bread rounds.

5. Top with a slice of cucumber and a dash of Tajin

6. Place on a platter or put them in a Tupperware to travel to the game wherever that may be.

7. Be safe and have fun!

Dragon Bites

Happy Father's Day Everyone!!
Fire up the grills and relax, because we are letting another marinade do the work today, even though we are still wearing hoodies in the Midwest in mid-June, really?   Summer is coming, and this weekend's recipe is about heat and grilling--either for real or in a grill pan!  Plan ahead since the meat needs to marinate for at least 4 hours!

This marinade can be used for steak or chicken since steak is not a college student staple by any means, but on occasion, have everyone pitch in when you see a sale; or, have the house purchase a membership to Costco so that bulk meat, veggies, freezer goods, and staples can be bought at a reasonable rates.

Beware! This is marinade is meant to be hot, so if you are worried you'll render the meat inedible, or you just can't handle it, tone the spices down about 50 percent!  And whoever eats at the table tonight...no whining!  Put a few of these bites into a pita pocket and add a few veggies--great meal and you are good to go!

Equipment:
Marinating Dish or Freezer Size Zip Lock Bags
Functional Stove and Grill or Saute pan
or
Available Grill-charcoal or gas
Bamboo Skewers, soaked in water
Toothpicks

Ingredients:
2-3 Sirloin (or Chicken Breasts), cut into 1 inch cubes

1 cup Olive Oil
1/2 cup Soy Sauce
4 tsp salt
4 tsp pepper
2-4 tsp cumin
2-6 tsp cayenne pepper
3 Tbls brown sugar
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
Lime juice
2-3 Tbls honey

Dipping Sauce:
1 cup mayo
1/4 cup chipotle peppers (canned) or 1/4 tsp cayenne + 1/2 tsp curry
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Cut steak or chicken into 1" cubes approximately
3. Combine all ingredients from olive oil to honey in a small mixing bowl.

4. Pour marinade over meat and marinate for 4 hours at least

5. Make your dipping sauce by combining the other ingredients and adjust to taste.

6. If grilling, skewer up the kabobs with 5-6 cubes, and grill for approx 5 minutes on each side. (It depends on how well done you like your meat.)
7. If pan-grilling or searing, simply brown the meat in the skillet to your preferred done-ness level.

If folks can't handle the heat, just put your t-shirt "Make It Stop" or "No Whining" on.

That'll get the message across!

Make It Stop Plain

Female=Fitted Make It Stop

No Whining Green

Make It Stop Box 

Large Text Make It Stop