Game Day Entertaining
Southern Socials
Texas Two-Step Cajun Tacos
A classic gridiron menu that originally ran to honor the matchups between Alabama vs LSU & Auburn vs Texas A&M on November 4, 2017, Texas Two-Step Cajun Tacos, offers those flavors football fanatics absolutely love but with a surprising twist. Blackened Catfish Tacos with Magic Zydeco Seasoning feature Alabama farm raised fish dusted with a fiery custom seasoning blend while Blackened Carne Asada Tacos borrows a few lone star state musts including steak & so much more. A classic Gridiron Crema may be drizzled over the tacos before serving or look to Zesty Chipotle-Ranch Cream to turn up the heat even more. Get ready to cross the plane to sweet victory & host your best tailgating social to date with this irresistible menu that’s guaranteed to score big.
The Menu
Texas Two-Step Cajun Tacos
Spicy blackened catfish & steak mingle with two fan-favorite regional tastes. Street-style tacos line dance with classic Cajun flavors creating a magical game day feast. A standard Texas MVP accompanied with crisp tortilla & corn chips plus sweet tea margaritas get the party started.
Blackened Catfish Tacos
Blackened Carne Asada Tacos
Texas Two-Step Toppings
Avocado * Tomato * Red Onion * Jalapeños * Cilantro * Shredded Cabbage
Magic Zydeco Seasoning
Gridiron Crema
Championship Caviar
Tortilla Chips & Corn Chips
Big Batch Sweet Tea Margaritas * Beer * Water
Blackened Catfish Tacos
makes 4 servings
Run The Option
Tilapia or red snapper would make excellent substitutions for this fiery fish dish.
Magic Zydeco Seasoning
1 lb catfish fillets
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
8 {6-inch} corn tortillas
Gridiron Crema
Texas Two-Step Toppings
Avocado * Tomato * Red Onion * Jalapeños * Cilantro * Shredded Cabbage
Prepare the Magic Zydeco Seasoning as directed. Coat the fish with the seasoning. Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add the fish & cook 2 to 3 minutes per side. Meanwhile, char the corn tortillas in a smokin’ hot cast iron skillet. Place between damp paper towels to soften. Prepare the Gridiron Crema as directed. Flake the fish with a fork & divide between the tortillas. Drizzle with the sauce & serve with Texas Two-Step Toppings.
The Extra Point
Try serving the catfish in a more traditional manner. Accompany with simple roasted potatoes & green beans for an easy weeknight meal.
Magic Zydeco Seasoning
makes 2 1/2 Tbsp
The Basic Fundamentals
The spice blend packs some heat. For a milder variation, reduce the ground red & black pepper a smidgen.
1 Tbsp paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp dark brown sugar
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1/4 tsp black pepper
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Try the spice mixture on chicken & pork tenderloin then grill the meat for a tasty smoky flavor.
Blackened Carne Asada Tacos
makes 4 servings
Run The Option
Sear the steak in a tablespoon of hot oil in a large non-stick skillet over Medium-High heat 2 to 3 minutes per side, if desired.
Magic Zydeco Seasoning
1 lb ribeye, top sirloin or flank steak
8 {6-inch} corn tortillas
Gridiron Crema
Texas Two-Step Toppings
Avocado * Tomato * Red Onion * Jalapeños * Cilantro * Shredded Cabbage
Prepare the Magic Zydeco Seasoning as directed. Coat the steak with the seasoning. Grill over direct Medium-High heat {350 to 400 degrees} 2 to 3 minutes per side. Meanwhile, char the corn tortillas in a smokin’ hot cast iron skillet. Place between damp paper towels to soften. Prepare the Gridiron Crema as directed. Thinly slice the steak & divide between the tortillas. Drizzle with the sauce & serve with Texas Two-Step Toppings.
The Extra Point
The steak is wonderful with the Championship Caviar over mixed salad greens. Try the spicy beef with a simple baked potato for an effortless weeknight supper.
Gridiron Crema
makes 1/2 cup
Game Changer
Dice grilled onion slices & fold into the sour cream mixture for a zesty Southwestern inspired potato chip dip. Add a pinch of chili powder, cumin & ground red pepper for extra zing.
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, pressed
Kosher salt
Stir together all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Drizzle over sandwiches or salads for a tasty option. Try the sauce with grilled chicken for a delicious weeknight supper.
Championship Caviar
makes 8 servings
Run The Option
Toss a diced peach into the huddle just before serving for a southern twist on this crowd pleaser. Mango or pineapple would make for excellent additions, too.
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp honey
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 tsp kosher salt
2 {15.25-oz} cans black-eyed peas, rinsed & drained
1 {15-oz} can black beans, rinsed & drained
3/4 cup diced red or green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp minced jalapeno
Garnishes: Roasted pepitas & queso fresco
Tortilla or corn chips
Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Fold in the black-eyed peas & the next 5 ingredients. Cover & chill 1 to 24 hours. Stir the dip well & adjust the seasonings. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish, if desired. Serve with chips.
The Extra Point
The kick is good! File this fan-favorite dip under special teams. Spoon over baked sweet potatoes, layer with cheese for quick quesadillas or top mixed greens to clench the win for fast weeknight meal solutions.
Big Batch Sweet Tea Margaritas
makes 8 servings
Run The Option
Swap out the tequila for bourbon or moonshine.
Combine 1 1/2 cups Jose Quervo tequila, 1 cup Grand Marnier, 4 cups sweetened tea & 2 cups limeade in a large pitcher. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices & orange curls, if desired.
The Extra Point
Serve the cocktail in Mason jars for easy, casual game day style. Add a few Pennant Swizzle Sticks to complete the pass.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HOSTESS OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Juice Fresh Limes
The Championship Caviar & other menu items offer bright flavor with the addition of fresh lime juice. Limes can be used in both sweet & savory foods pairing well with just about anything making them extremely versatile. They are also good for holding the bright color desired when accompanied with foods that have a tendency to change once sliced as in the case for avocados. When choosing them from produce bins, select fruit with a bright, uniform color. Pick them up & gently press them in your hand. They should feel firm with a slight give to them. If the zest is desired, take care of that task first by running the outer portion over a microplane grater, then slice the limes in half for juicing. Extracting it from the citrus is simple when the correct tool is used.
The Technique
When fresh lime juice is needed for recipe applications, it’s important to have the right device that will release every bit. A glass juicer where the reamer is set over a small bowl to collect the juice can be used or my preferred choice is a lemon press. These valuable tools are generally coated with a non-reactive finish to prevent the acid from producing off flavors. Citrus halves can be placed in the custom fit compartment then the handles pressed together to extract the juice over a small bowl. It’s efficient enough to press every bit of juice quickly. Once the task is complete, the pulp & seeds will be left behind. Simply remove the used lime halves & discard them. Before adding the juice to recipe applications, pour it through a small fine wire mesh sieve to collect any seeds or unwanted bits of pulp that may be in the bowl.
etc
Game Day Entertaining 101
Visit these posts for more football & tailgating party inspiration
The Ultimate Game Day Snack Mix
Game Day Cocktails 101: Margarita Mimosas
Game Day Logistics 101: Kick-Off A Smashing Tailgate Season
Game Day Provisions 101: Gridiron Whiskey Caramel Corn
Game Day Crafts 101: Tag Football Sacks
Game Day Crafts 101: Gridiron Tailgating Bags
Game Day Crafts 101: Almond Footballs
The Tune
“Must Have Been The Devil” Otis Spann
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{college football} Rebecca Gordon@TidefanFare
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Rebecca Gordon
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