Game Day Entertaining
September 16, 2017
Alabama vs Colorado State
Auburn vs Mercer
Gridiron Picnic
A lovely game day social & a basket full of handcrafted sandwiches sets the tone for a beautiful day outdoors. Grilled Steak Heroes With Gridiron Salsa Verde are a sure fire way to taunt the Auburn Tiger competition. Get ready to tackle taste buds with larger than life flavor. The simple grilled steak is stuffed into hoagie rolls & slathered with a sauce that will have the other side green with envy. Homemade Football Pennants complete the pass with a smidgen of game day charm & can be made from card stock, a paint marker & wooden picks. Call on these starters throughout the season to add effortless style to recipes without a whole heap of fuss. Alabama fans will appreciate the perfect accompaniment when paired with tiny crackers the resemble the hash marks found on the field. Filled with an array of southern jewels, Million Dollar Football Dip will have football fanatics huddled close. To seal the deal, Chocolate-Pecan Chess Tartlets sail into the zone to clench the sweet victory. Everyone wins big when the tailgating table is stacked with a bevy of first-rate provisions.
The Game Plan
The sandwiches can be made up to a day ahead.
Grill the steak & allow to cool.
Make the salsa verde & build the sandwiches.
Wrap tightly in plastic & chill until ready to serve.
The dip can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time.
Garnish just before serving.
Craft the Football Pennants several days in advance.
Top sandwiches before guests arrive.
Prepare the chess pies up to 2 days ahead.
Organize plates, napkins & glassware on a tray to make serving effortless.
The Menu
Gridiron Picnic
Be the hero of the day when you offer football fanatics these steak sandwiches amped up with robust, fresh flavor. Accompany with an indulgent dip & miniature chess pies for a million reasons why this menu is headed to a sweet victory.
Grilled Steak Heroes With Gridiron Salsa Verde
Million Dollar Football Dip
Crackers * Corn Chips
Chocolate-Pecan Chess Tartlets
Beer * Soft Drinks * Water
Grilled Steak Heroes With Gridiron Salsa Verde
makes 8 servings
The Basic Fundamentals
These hearty contenders can be served warm or cold. Grill the steak up to a day ahead of time & cool completely before assembling the sandwiches & packaging tightly in plastic wrap.
2 lbs top sirloin steak
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Gridiron Salsa Verde
8 miniature hoagie rolls, split
8 Munster cheese slices
Coat the steak with the salt & the pepper. Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes. Grill over direct Medium-High heat {350 to 400 degrees} 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the steak reaches the desired degree of doneness. Remove from the grill & let stand 10 minutes. Thinly slice the steak. Meanwhile, prepare the Gridiron Salsa Verde. Spread on the bottom of the hoagie rolls. Top with the steak & the cheese.
The Extra Point
The steak & the salsa verde are a delicious combination to serve at suppertime. Accompany the main dish with a baked potato & your favorite vegetables.
Gridiron Salsa Verde
makes 3/4 cup
Run The Option
Herb based salsa verde can be prepared with a variety of your sill garden favorites. Substitute basil, tarragon or mint for equally tasty results.
1/4 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp course ground mustard
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley leaves
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 scallions, sliced
Freshly ground pepper
Whisk together the first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Chop the parsley, the cilantro & the scallions; stir into the oil mixture. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Prepare the fresh herb sauce & drizzle over salads topped with pork tenderloin or chicken for a delicious meal.
Million Dollar Football Dip
makes 12 servings
The Basic Fundamentals
Allow the dip to stand 20 minutes before serving to slightly soften the cheeses. An heirloom silver butter knife adds a touch of easy style to a selection of tailgating snacks & makes serving on crackers that mimic hash marks a breeze.
1 {8-oz} package cream cheese, softened
1 {8-oz} block Gouda cheese, shredded
1 {8-oz} container sour cream
1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
6 bacon slices, cooked & crumbled
4 scallions, sliced
1 Tbsp minced jalapeno
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
Chopped fresh parsley & sliced scallions
2 Munster cheese slices
Crackers & corn chips
Stir together the first 9 ingredients in a large bowl. Spread evenly into a 1-quart oval casserole dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley & sliced scallions. Cut the Munster cheese into strips & arrange over the top of the dip to resemble football laces. Serve with miniature rectangular crackers & corn chips.
The Extra Point
Spread the dip over turkey or ham sandwiches for a tasty lunch option.
Chocolate-Pecan Chess Tartlets
makes 2 dozen
Style Points
Finely chopped toasted pecans elevate these beautiful tartlets. For a more casual look, omit the pecans & pipe vanilla frosting over the pies to resemble football laces.
1/2 {8-oz} package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup finely ground, lightly toasted pecans
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
3 Tbsp melted butter
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg
Garnish: Finely chopped toasted pecans
Beat the cream cheese & the butter with a stand mixer until smooth. Scrape down the bowl sides with a rubber spatula. Blend in the flour & the pecans on Low speed until a dough forms. Divide the mixture into 24 pieces & roll into balls. Press the dough balls into each space of a lightly greased 24-cup mini muffin tin. Press the mixture evenly on the bottom & up the sides. Chill 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together the brown sugar, the butter, the cocoa & the vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk in the buttermilk & the egg until smooth. Divide the mixture between the muffin cups. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust is golden & the filling is puffed. The tartlets will level as they cool. Sprinkle with the nuts, if desired, gently pressing into the surface of the pies. Let stand 5 minutes. Gently loosen the pies with a paring knife. Cool completely in the pans.
The Extra Point
Pack the tartlets in a portable container with a lid if traveling. Place a sheet of wax paper between layers to keep the pies stable & looking their best.
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 Colorado State
The Alabama Crimson Tide hosts the Colorado State Rams in Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday. This will be the 4th match up between the schools with Colorado State taking home the win in 1969 led by Coach Eddie Crowder in the Liberty Bowl. Alabama has won the last two games with Nick Saban at the helm, the Independence Bowl in 2007 & the in 2013 during regular season play.
Auburn vs Mercer
In 1908, the Auburn Tigers led by Coach Mike Donahue walloped over the Mercer Bears at home in Macon, GA in a 23 point blowout. Coach Gus Malzahn leads the charge this Saturday in Jordan-Hare stadium while Bobby Lamb heads up Mercer. Auburn has won all 11 of the games with the last meeting between the teams taking place in 1922.
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 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
“Rock-A-Beatin’ Boogie” Bill Haley & His Comets
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Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
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