Game Day Tailgating
Southern Socials
Texas Two-Step Cajun Tacos
Regional fan-favorite flavors collide & luckily the battle ground is directly on your plate. You’ll want to savor every last morsel of these street-style tacos with a cajun twist. Blackened Catfish Tacos with Magic Zydeco Seasoning keep everyone on their toes & the winning spirit alive. These tasty delectables feature farm raised fish from the yellowhammer state while the seasoning blend gives fanatics a chance to devour the competition. A menu featuring Blackened Carne Asada Tacos borrows a few lone star state specializes for a winning menu filled with fiery flavor combinations perfect for any tailgating party.
The Game Plan
Prepare the dip & sauce up to 2 days ahead.
Chop the taco toppings up to 1 day ahead.
Place in ramekins so they’re table top ready. Cover & chill.
Dice the avocado & toss in lime juice just before serving.
Season the steak & catfish up to a day ahead.
Sear or grill them just before the main meal is to be served.
Char the corn tortillas in a hot cast iron skillet.
Stack between damp paper towels to keep pliable.
Organize the food on wooden boards & aluminum pans with rich patinas.
These hardworking surfaces easily go from the grill to the table.
Prepare several pitchers of the margaritas up to a day ahead.
Ice down beverages & soft drinks to complete the pass for any easy score.
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 KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{testing notes}
How To Use A Garlic Press
Garlic press tools are available in many styles. They make prep work quick in the kitchen yet also offer a well distributed taste to recipes. Many are designed with ergonomic attributes & non-slip handles to make using it easy. The built in cleaner on a number of models allows you to pop it over the grid once done to release anything that sticks.
The Technique
I prefer to use peeled garlic in a press. First, peel the number of cloves you wish to press. Open the handles of the garlic press & drop a clove in the chamber. Next, push the handles together over a cutting board to extrude the garlic through the grid. Using a paring knife, swipe it between the garlic & the grid to release it onto the cutting board. In order to remove any of the clove that remains in the chamber, pop the built in cleaner over the grid. Repeat the process until all of the cloves have been prepped.
etc
Game Day Entertaining
Visit these posts for more football & tailgating party inspiration
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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Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
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