Game Day Entertaining
September 2, 2017
Alabama vs Florida State
Auburn vs Georgia Southern
A Smokin’ Hot Kick-Off
It is here. It is here… It is finally here. And big teams deserve big bad tailgating fan fare. Kick-off the season & plan to make this classic game day menu filled with a few surprises. Ribs rank high in the polls but when infused with a southern-style teetotaler twist, they’re taken to a whole new realm. Auburn fanatics can finesse a slab or two with one of the competitions state pride claims. Peach Sweet Tea Ribs start with a citrus scented rub filled with all of the right fundamentals such as tea leaves, brown sugar & a blend of delicious spices to make these beauties one hot commodity. Just before removing them from the smoker, they’re slathered with a shortcut finishing sauce, a Peach Sweet Tea Glaze that uses everyday preserves as the base. The Tailgaters Quick Reference BBQ Guide will be an indispensable source at the grill all season long to get you started. For the high tide rollers, a High Tide Tailgating Platter of tantalizing delectables is in order. Alabama fanatics can ward off the snack attack by indulging in an offering that features Smoky Crimson Flame Jalapeño Poppers accompanied with an array of other good game day players. Get ready to cross the plane to a sweet victory & host your best tailgating social to date.
The Game Plan
Keep the look casual by using wooden cutting boards & aluminum half sheet pans.
Cut & serve the smokin’ ribs directly on these hard working go-to’s.
Napkins & a few linens sporting team colors tucked in add effortless style.
Have several rolls of paper towels handy to keep it real.
The rib sauce & the rub can be made several days ahead of time.
Stuff the peppers up to a day before the game.
Pop them into the oven just before guests arrive.
Arrange the snack platter on an aluminum or enamelware finished tray.
Offer these delectables while the ribs are smoking to keep hungry fanatics satisfied.
Create a bar area on a small table to serve the signature cocktail.
Prepare several batches ahead & store in a cooler or in the fridge until needed.
Ice down additional beverages in wagons or tubs so guests can help themselves.
The Menu
A Smokin’ Hot Kick-Off
Some of the South’s most iconic specialties star in a tailgating line up that can’t be beat. Ribs brimming with sweetness balanced by jalapeño poppers plus a few signature beverages score big to help Alabama & Auburn fanatics kick-off the season in style. Create an offering of delectables for football fanatics to enjoy while the main course is smoking. Jalapeño poppers are ready in no time & can be prepared well in advance. While they’re baking, arrange a selection of nibbles on a tray. Crackers topped with ultra sharp white Cheddar cheese & an Alabama original, Holmsted Fines Balsamic Red Onion Chutney, get this tailgate underway quickly. The bites pair well with the hot peppers & roasted peanuts without flaw.
Peach Sweet Tea Ribs
High Tide Tailgating Platter
featuring
Smoky Crimson Flame Jalapeño Poppers
Sharp White Cheddar * Crackers * Balsamic Red Onion Chutney * Roasted Peanuts
Yellowhammer Sweet Tea Cocktail
Magnolia Avenue Sweet Tea Cocktail
Peach Sweet Tea Ribs
makes 4 servings
The Basic Fundamentals
The thin membrane on the back side of a slab of ribs must be removed making them easier to eat when it’s mealtime. Make a few cuts with a paring knife & pull it away with your fingers. You can then season the slab as directed in the recipe.
2 cups hickory wood chips
1 {3 1/2-lb} slab St Louis-style spare or baby back ribs
The juice from 1/2 of a lemon
Sweet Tea-Citrus Rub
Peach Sweet Tea Glaze
Soak the hickory wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Drain. Place the chips in heavy-duty foil & make a packet. Poke a few holes in the foil. Set aside. Pull the thin membrane from the backside of the ribs. Squeeze the lemon juice on both sides of the ribs. Pat the Sweet Tea-Citrus Rub on both sides of the ribs.
Add the packet of wood chips to the grill or smoker. Place the ribs over indirect heat, about 225 to 275 degrees. Check the progress every 30 minutes. Be sure the side closest to the heat isn’t cooking too quickly. Rotate the ribs if necessary. Cook the ribs over indirect heat 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 185 to 190 degrees. You’re looking for a pink smoke ring in the pork. Pinch the ribs with tongs after 2 hours. They should be tender enough to give easily with a slight tug. Meanwhile, prepare the Peach Sweet Tea Glaze & brush over the ribs. Cover with the lid & cook an additional 10 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes, then cut & serve.
The Extra Point
Ribs pair well with many of our top picks. They can be served with a variety of other appetizers or more traditional barbecue side dishes such as deviled eggs & potato salad. Change up the overall flavor of this recipe by using your favorite preserves for an equally winning taste. Cherry preserves or orange marmalade would make for fine substitutions.
Sweet Tea-Citrus Rub
makes about 1/2 cup
Game Changer
Add a smoky element to the rub by replacing the ground red pepper with ground chipotle pepper.
2 family-size tea bags
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
The zest from 1 lemon
The juice from 1/2 of a lemon
Cut the tea bags open & empty the tea leaves into a small bowl. Add the remaining ingredients & combine well. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Try the rub on chicken wings. Brush with the Peach Sweet Tea Glaze just before removing them from the grill.
Peach Sweet Tea Glaze
makes about 3/4 cup
Run The Option
Try adding a more pungent flavor to the glaze by substituting minced shallot for the sweet onion.
1/2 cup boiling water
1 family-size tea bag
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp minced sweet onion
1/2 cup peach preserves
The juice from 1 lemon
1 Tbsp ketchup
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Pour the water over the tea bag. Steep for 15 minutes. Remove the tea bag. Set aside. Sauté the onion in the oil in a 2-quart saucepan over Medium-High heat 3 minutes or until softened. Deglaze the pan with the tea concentrate & cook 2 minutes or until reduced by half. Stir in the peach preserves, the lemon juice, the ketchup & the pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally & cook 30 seconds. Remove from the heat. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Brush the glaze over pork tenderloin or grilled chicken for an effortless weeknight supper.
Smoky Crimson Flame Jalapeño Poppers
makes 1 1/2 dozen
Run The Option
Miniature sweet peppers may be substituted for a milder flavor. The yield may vary depending on the size of the jalapeños.
9 to 10 red jalapeños
1/2 {8-oz} package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
4 bacon slices, cooked & finely crumbled
1 scallion, minced
Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise & remove the seeds & the membrane. Place on a lightly greased foil-lined half sheet pan spacing them close together. Stir together the cream cheese, the Monterey Jack cheese, the Parmesan, the bacon & the scallion in a medium bowl. Pipe the filling into the peppers. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until the cheese melts & the peppers soften. Garnish, if desired.
The Extra Point
Build tasty lunch salads with mixed greens, grilled steak, cucumber & leftover poppers. Drizzle with your favorite dressing.
Yellowhammer Sweet Tea Cocktail
makes about 6 servings
Orange curls & cherries add a special touch to a Crimson Tide signature cocktail designed to toast a season of casual get togethers.
4 cups sweetened iced tea
1 cup light rum
1 {6-oz} can pineapple juice, chilled
1/2 cup orange juice, chilled
1 Tbsp maraschino cherry juice
1/2 tsp almond extract
Garnish: Maraschino cherries & orange curls
Combine the first 6 ingredients in a pitcher. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.
Magnolia Avenue Sweet Tea Cocktail
makes about 6 servings
The lemonade salutes an Auburn landmark, Toomer’s Drugs. Thinly sliced lemon infuses additional citrus into each cocktail & brightens the glass without flaw.
4 cups sweetened iced tea
2 cups lemonade, chilled
1 cup light rum
1/2 cup orange juice, chilled
Garnishes: Lemon slices
Stir together the first 4 ingredients in a pitcher. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HOSTESS OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Talk A Good Game Of Football
Learn some facts & get in the game. Be certain you’re up-to-date with the team matchups each week. While perusing the tailgating spread option with a cocktail in tow, it’s always a smart idea to have a few tidbits of information to offer when small talk beckons with Uncle Jebediah who’s inevitably reaching in for another rib. Here are some team facts & a smidgen of history to help you navigate a game winning conversation full of football know-how.
Alabama vs Florida State
The last meeting between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida State Seminoles held many notable moments in college football history. In 2007, during Nick Saban’s first year as head coach, he traveled with his team to Jacksonville, Florida only to be defeated by long time Noles leader, Bobby Bowden in a 21-14 final. Bowden, a Birmingham native, grew up cheering for the Crimson Tide & played for them briefly before returning home where he married & finished school at Howard College. However, his love for Alabama ran deep. Bowden was actually considered for the head coaching post on two separate occasions flanked before & after Bill Curry’s arrival & departure from the program. On the first occasion, Bowden was surprised to learn he was interviewing with about a dozen other folks for the position. Since an offer had not been immediately extended, he withdrew his name from the discussion. On the second, he felt Bryant’s legacy too big to top & being late in his career, he felt he had built his own with the Florida State Seminoles. With a season opener kick-off set in Atlanta, Georgia under two fiery programs, Nick Saban leading the Crimson Tide & Jimbo Fisher heading up the Noles, there’s bound to be plenty of controversy just waiting to unfold.
Auburn vs Georgia Southern
The Auburn Tigers led by head football Coach Gene Chizik & the Georgia Southern Eagles with Coach Tyson Summers at the helm are set for a second meeting in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday. The first matchup between the teams took place in 1991 with the Tigers clenching the win in a 32-17 victory. Auburn is expected to waltz away with a season opener win but certainly without a good battle on the gridiron from the Eagles.
etc
Game Day Entertaining 101
Visit these posts for more football & tailgating party inspiration
The Ultimate Game Day Snack Mix
Game Day Provisions 101: Mini Sorghum Pecan Pies
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
“Jackie Wilson Said” Van Morrison
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Be sweet.
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