Game Day Tailgating
Southern Socials
The Iron Bowl Party
When a classic football rivalry is set to play out on the gridiron, it seems only fitting to offer guests a lovely tailgating party menu filled with grit, glory & lots of team spirit. Begin festivities by raising a glass with a traditional cocktail favorite then pay homage to both the Alabama Crimson Tide & the Auburn Tigers by hosting a football party social with a collection of southern fan fare including Classic Filet Mignon Party Biscuits served with a few delicious sauces, Classic Horseradish Sauce & a Gridiron Chimichurri. Round out the menu with a crowd-pleasing side dish of Classic Grits Casserole, then claim your own sweet victory by offering a selection of handcrafted Bourbon-Pecan Football Pies that start with the basic fundamentals, homemade Buttermilk-Cornmeal Pastry Dough. The pastries feature pecans, bourbon & just a touch of sorghum & the filling may be prepared quickly on the stovetop. Strips of dough finish each miniature pie to resemble football laces & clench the win for an adorable morsel of sweetness. No matter how the game plays out, you can expect a round of compliments punt in your direction when a charming array of refreshments are served during Iron Bowl festivities.
The Game Plan
Prepare the sauces up to 2 days ahead. Grill the beef up to an hour before serving.
Biscuits may be blended, cut & flash frozen in advance.
Bake as directed adding a few minutes to the time, if necessary, up to an hour before serving.
Prepare the football pies up to a day ahead of time. Cover & chill.
Bake them off just before guests arrive.
A cheese board makes an accessible & lovely design element on the coffee table.
Pair a blend of textures such as an earthy Manchego with a milder Havarti.
Round out the offering with fresh fruits, jams, homemade pickles, crackers & toasted nuts.
Create several swags of bunting to use throughout the space.
Organize freshly pressed linens, plates & utensils on a tray.
Offer an assortment of beverages & a signature spirit that’s a win-win for all.
The Menu
The Iron Bowl Party
Fire up the grill for this lovely menu designed to match an equally heated Alabama vs Auburn rivalry. Bourbon adds just the right amount of spirit in both the cocktail & the dessert to keep both fan bases on their toes. From classic beef filet & biscuits to a side of good old-fashioned grit, it’s everyone’s game when this beautiful menu is set in motion.
Classic Filet Mignon Party Biscuits
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Classic Horseradish Sauce
Gridiron Chimichurri
Classic Grits Casserole
Bourbon-Pecan Football Pies
Classic Old-Fashioned
Classic Filet Mignon Party Biscuits
makes 5 dozen
The Basic Fundamentals
Allowing the beef to stand at room temperature before grilling will ensure the proper desired degree of doneness.
4 {8-oz} filet mignon steaks
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 recipes Sweet Potato Biscuits
Gridiron Chimichurri
Classic Horseradish Sauce
Coat both sides of the steaks with the salt & the pepper. Let stand 20 minutes at room temperature. Grill the steaks over Medium-High {350 to 400 degrees} 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove them from the grill. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve on Sweet Potato Biscuits with Gridiron Chimichurri & Classic Horseradish Sauce.
The Extra Point
Serve the steak & the chimichurri on freshly baked, sliced baguettes for a delicious meal.
Gridiron Chimichurri
makes 2/3 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 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/3 cup packed fresh oregano leaves
2 garlic cloves, pressed
7 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp course ground mustard
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp lemon zest
Pulse the first 6 ingredients in a food processor on High until finely chopped. Transfer the sauce to a small bowl. Stir in the salt, the crushed red pepper flakes, the black pepper & the lemon zest. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Prepare the fresh herb sauce & drizzle over salads topped with pork tenderloin or grilled chicken for a delicious meal.
Bourbon-Pecan Football Pies
makes 22 football hand pies
The Basic Fundamentals
This recipe does take some time to get the precise look. It can easily be cut in half, if desired. If the filling becomes firm during preparation, microwave it on High power 5 to 8 seconds & proceed as instructed.
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup sorghum
3 Tbsp bourbon
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
2 recipes Buttermilk-Cornmeal Pastry Dough
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Bring the brown sugar, the sorghum, the bourbon, the butter & the salt to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan over Medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened to the consistency of corn syrup. Remove from the heat. Stir in the pecans & the vanilla bean paste. Cool 15 minutes or until firm enough to hold shape when portioned.
Prepare the Buttermilk-Cornmeal Pastry Dough as directed. Roll the dough between plastic wrap to a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut 24 {4-inch} squares, rerolling the dough as needed. Place on a half sheet pan & cover with plastic wrap. Cut each piece of dough in half & trim to straighten the edges, if desired. Brush the egg on the bottom of 22 dough squares; place 1 1/2 teaspoons of the pecan mixture in the center. Top with the remaining dough & press the edges to seal. Use a fork to create a decorative flute around the sealed portion of each miniature pie. Place onto parchment paper-lined half sheet pans. Cover & chill 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut 22 {2-inch x 1/4-inch} dough strips & 66 {3/4-inch x 1/4-inch} dough strips from the remaining dough squares using a pastry wheel. Brush the surface of each pastry with the egg; top with a 2-inch dough strip & brush with the egg again. Place 3 {3/4-inch} dough strips over the 2-inch strip to resemble football laces, pressing to adhere. Brush the tops with egg again. Combine the granulated sugar & the cinnamon; sprinkle over the pastries. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, in batches, on the middle oven rack. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Serve at room temperature.
The Extra Point
Prepare the turnovers up to one day ahead of time & bake just before guests arrive. If traveling, package in a wax paper-lined plastic container to help cushion the pies for easy transport & to keep the design looking fresh.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{testing notes}
How To Sharpen Knives
When filling irresistible biscuits with a wonderfully tender steak cut, a freshly sharpened knife is essential for slicing the beef. A chef or carving knife is the ideal choice to use in order to complete the task. Invest in a good knife tool & set aside a bit of time each week to sharpen them all for the safest use in the kitchen.
The Technique
First & foremost it’s important to follow the manufacturers instructions precisely in order to properly sharpen each knife style. Basically, many three step systems begin with stage one which includes diamond abrasives that leave the guesswork out of sharpening properly. Once the device has been plugged in & turned on, conical discs rotate, then all you need to do is swipe the blades through. Count the number of times that particular side is swiped & repeat through the next slot so both sides get an even turn. Step two features a steel that aides in shaving a sharp edge while stage three highlights a rough disc system used to create that ultra sharp finish. It’s designed specifically for honing & polishing. Think of sharpening as a means to take a dull blade to sharp while honing is a process that fine tunes that sharp blade by centering it. The stages may be used in several combinations depending on what the task at hand may be. Follow instructions precisely in order to sharpen serrated blades as not all of the steps should be used.
etc
Game Day Entertaining
Visit these posts for more football & tailgating party inspiration
Barbecue Crostini Football Party
113 Best Tailgating Recipes, Football Party Menus & Game Day Crafts
The Tune
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” Etta James
social butterfly
instagram: buttermilklipstick
facebook: Buttermilk Lipstick
twitter: Buttermilk Lipstick@ButtermilkLips
{college football} Rebecca Gordon@TidefanFare
pinterest: Buttermilk Lipstick
Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
Comments are closed.