Game Day Entertaining
October 14, 2017
Alabama vs Arkansas
Auburn vs LSU
Game Day Blini Bar
Mini cornmeal griddle cakes may seem innocent enough but when piled high with array of tempting tailgating fan fare, you best fall into the lineup. This game day menu is designed to blitz the competition by downing their best regional offerings… or quite simply, the mascot himself. Alabama fans can relish in a sweet victory table side when Chopped Woo Pig Sooie BBQ Blini topped with homemade Apple-Moonshine Chow Chow & Crimson Cranberry ‘Cue Sauce stars as the main attraction. Auburn has a few trick play maneuvers of their own to stop those LSU Tigers cold long before the players even hit field. Geaux Time Cajun Blini with Macon County Pecan Remoulade sports a host of spicy flavors guaranteed to raise the stakes in the game. Be certain to pair with a batch of Swine Wine, a tailgater’s sangria that features both an Alabama & Auburn signature garnishes. It’s a win-win for both teams when this spirited game day menu is put into play.
The Game Plan
A kitchen island makes a wonderful place to prepare the blini.
Save some time & prepare them ahead if you’d like.
Simply keep warm in a 200 degree oven between damp paper towels.
The blini will be easier to fold & eat like a taco if pliable.
Stop by your favorite barbecue joint for the pulled pork.
Prepare the chow chow & the barbecue sauce up to a day ahead of time.
The remoulade can also be prepared a day in advance.
The shrimp & vegetables can be sautéed quickly just before serving.
Arrange the topping for both flavor combinations on trays.
Organize toppings in ramekins or small bowls.
Blend the cocktails in advance & nestle in a little ice.
Have garnishes ready to drop in filled glasses.
Arrange bar ware & beverage napkins close by so guests can help themselves.
The Menu
Game Day Blini Bar
Cornmeal pancakes filled with good grit serve as the foundation for this game day feast. Top with an array of team taunting specialties for the liveliest tailgating social to date. Custom cocktails complete the pass & sail into the end zone to clench the win.
Alabama
Chopped Woo Pig Sooie BBQ Blini
Apple-Moonshine Chow Chow
Crimson Cranberry ‘Cue Sauce
Auburn
Geaux Time Cajun Blini
Macon County Pecan Remoulade
Cornmeal Pancakes
Swine Wine
Chopped Woo Pig Sooie BBQ Blini
makes 1 1/2 dozen appetizers
The Basic Fundamentals
There’s no better way to get game day ready than by planning to feast on the competition. Naming the dish after one of the Razorbacks most beloved battle cries simply takes the taunt one step further.
Cornmeal Blini
Apple-Moonshine Chow Chow
Crimson Cranberry ‘Cue Sauce
1 lb smoked pulled pork, chopped
Dill pickles * Crème fraîche
Prepare the Cornmeal Blini as directed. Keep warm in a 200 degree oven. Prepare the Apple-Moonshine Chow Chow & the Crimson Cranberry ‘Cue Sauce as directed. Top the Cornmeal Blini with the smoked pulled pork, the chow chow, the barbecue sauce, dill pickles & crème fraîche.
The Extra Point
If you’re more of a traditionalist, omit the Cornmeal Blini & serve over slider buns.
Apple-Moonshine Chow Chow
makes 1 1/3 cups
The Basic Fundamentals
Moonshine is basically fire water. Be certain to remove the pan from the stove eye when cooking over a gas flame to prevent any accidental boo-boos in the kitchen.
1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup diced sweet onion
1 cup diced gala apple
1/4 cup moonshine
3/4 cup apple juice
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 cups cole slaw mix
1 Tbsp dark brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp minced jalapeño
1 tsp yellow mustard
3/4 tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper
Sauté the onion in hot oil in a 3-quart saucepan over Medium heat 5 minutes or until tender. Add the apple. Remove the pan from the burner & add the moonshine. Place the pan back over the burner & add the apple juice, the vinegar, the slaw mix, the brown sugar, the jalapeño, the mustard & the salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally & cook 15 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp but tender & 1 Tbsp liquid remains. Season with pepper. Transfer to a Mason & chill 2 hours. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
This classic condiment adds texture to ham sandwiches, turkey-bacon rollups & smoky pulled pork barbecue sandwiches.
Crimson Cranberry ‘Cue Sauce
makes 1 3/4 cups
Game Changer
Fresh seasonal cranberries brighten this sweet, pungent condiment made with commercial barbecue sauce. Expect a thick sauce with bold flavor that can be used on a variety of grilled main dish selections.
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup apple juice
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp minced jalapeño
1 cup barbecue sauce
Bring the first 5 ingredients to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan with tall sides over Medium heat. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Do not step away as the bubbles will rise up the pan sides as it cooks. Turn down the heat & stir the mixture, if necessary. Stir in the barbecue sauce & bring to a simmer over Medium-Low heat. Cook 2 minutes or until heated through. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
For a twist, omit the cranberries & substitute 1 cup diced Granny Smith apple to prepare a tasty new sauce variation.
Geaux Time Cajun Blini
makes 1 1/2 dozen appetizers
Game Changer
Omit the shrimp & substitute crawfish tails for a new twist.
Cornmeal Blini
Macon County Pecan Remoulade
1 lb {26-30-count} wild American shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 tsp Creole seasoning, divided
2 tsp vegetable oil, divided
1 small sweet onion, sliced
3/4 cup orange bell pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch strips
3/4 cup green pepper, cut into 1 1/2-inch strips
1 garlic clove, pressed
Garnishes: Scallions, parsley, chopped pecans
Prepare the Cornmeal Blini as directed. Prepare the Macon County Pecan Remoulade as directed. Cover & chill. Coat the shrimp with 1 1/2 tsp Creole seasoning. Heat 1 tsp oil in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over Medium-High heat. Cook the shrimp 4 to 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet & drain well. Pat dry with paper towels, if necessary. Heat the remaining 1 tsp oil in the same skillet over Medium-High heat. Sauté the onion for 2 minutes. Add the bell peppers & cook 2 more minutes. Add the garlic & cook 1 minute. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 tsp Creole seasoning. Top the Cornmeal Blini with the shrimp, the pepper mixture & the Macon County Pecan Remoulade. Garnish, if desired.
The Extra Point
The shrimp & the remoulade is divine over a salad of mixed greens, charred corn kernels, diced tomato & avocado. Sprinkle each serving with extra toasted pecans for added crunch time goodness.
Macon County Pecan Remoulade
makes 1 1/4 cup
Game Changer
Pecans from an Auburn neighbor, Lee County, add a smidgen of local flavor to this classic Louisiana sauce.
1 scallion, cut into pieces
1 garlic clove, cut into pieces
A handful of fresh parsley leaves
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup toasted pecan halves
2 Tbsp Creole mustard
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
Freshly ground pepper
Pulse the first 3 ingredients in a food processor 5 to 6 times on Low until finely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the mayonnaise, the pecans, the mustard, the lemon juice, the paprika & the ground red pepper. Pulse on High until smooth, about 20 seconds. Season with pepper. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Spread this high flavor sauce over turkey-bacon sandwiches & BLT’s or try it along side a shrimp quesadilla.
Cornmeal Blini
makes 1 1/2 dozen
The Basic Fundamentals
Blini are traditional Russian pancakes prepared with buckwheat flour & yeast. Generally topped with smoked salmon, fresh dill & a variety of other tasty delectables, this quick version relies on the convenience of self-rising cornmeal mix for a lift & good game day grit.
1 cup self-rising cornmeal mix
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 egg
Melted butter or vegetable cooking spray
Whisk together the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. The batter will be very thin. Heat a griddle to 350 degrees. Brush the surface with butter or lightly coat with cooking spray. Drop 2 Tbsp batter over the surface for each cake. Cook 2 minutes or until bubbles form all over the surface. Flip the blini & cook an additional minute or until golden brown. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Try a short stack for breakfast topped with fresh fruit & maple syrup.
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 Arkansas
Auburn vs LSU
It was a face-off in 2010 when Auburn & LSU met in Jordan-Hare stadium both as undefeated teams. The game became a nail biter in the fourth quarter when it was tied up with Cam Newton leading the charge. Auburn went on to clench the win with a final score of 24-17. LSU hosts Auburn in Baton Rouge with a 2:30 pm kickoff on CBS.
etc
Game Day Entertaining 101
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The Tune
“Flip, Flop & Fly” Big Joe Turner
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Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
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