Game Day Entertaining
Starters
Merciless
…is the Iron Bowl. No matter how the college football season unfolds for the Alabama Crimson Tide or the Auburn Tigers, the outcome of this very matchup has the roaring power to flip destiny in just one second, washing away a season of hard work, dedication & sacrifice, rippling a tidal wave of emotion over half of the yellowhammer state for the next 364 days. The most vicious rivalry across all of sports in our nation plays out between these two Southeastern Conference football teams with a back history record of goal line stands, down to the wire successful & blocked field goal attempts & riverboat gambler play calls that leave coaches, players & fans on both sidelines in disbelief when they actually get the job done. As rabid football fanatics, most of us born & bred right here in this very state, we pledge allegiance to our team early on uttering Roll Tide or War Eagle as our first words ever spoken. And what do we end up doing? Lord. Help us. We marry each other.
Those bound by holy matrimony often times put vows on hold for one day out the year. To love, honor & cherish… the line between love & hate becomes so fine at times considering how quickly the football can cross the plane in an eye-popping last second victory. Traditionally played during the week of Thanksgiving with many past matchups actually falling on the big turkey day itself, the Iron Bowl is always guaranteed to have the entire nation on the edge of their seat. In this year’s case, not because they necessarily want to become loyal Tiger fans all of a sudden but simply to knock the No. 1 ranked Crimson Tide off the block which would certainly make for an interesting November football fumble.
Elephant Ears vs Tiger Tails
Nonetheless, gathering for a little pregame jabbing over a seasonally inspired nibble should definately be on the roster. A box of puff pastry filled with a few Thanksgiving goodies is your ticket to kicking-off a delicious way to appease both Alabama & Auburn fan bases for a team-taunting-good tailgating social. Whether you stand behind elephant ears or tigers tails, it all comes down to how you roll it. Follow my basic fundamentals for prepping this house divided appetizer that folks will gobble up. Anyway you slice & bake it, anticipate a win-win for all.
House Divided Turkey Puffs With Spicy Cranberry-Orange Relish
makes about 3 dozen
Run The Option
Score big points with both Alabama & Auburn crowds. Whether your group is all ears or a host of fanatics full of tall tails, these team rivalry game day snacks will satisfy everyone’s thunderous, roaring appetite.
1 {17.3-oz} box puff pastry, divided
2 Tbsp spicy mustard
8 Swiss cheese slices
1/2 lb deli-sliced smoked turkey
1/2 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese
Spicy Cranberry-Orange Relish
Allow the puff pastry to thaw at room temperature 30 to 45 minutes or until it unfolds easily. It should still be cool to the touch.
Elephant Ears
Spread 1 piece of the puff pastry with half of the mustard. Top with half of the Swiss cheese & the turkey. Sprinkle with half of the Cheddar cheese. Roll each side of the pastry halfway to the middle so that they meet in the center of the dough.
Tiger Tails
Top the second piece of puff pastry with the remaining mustard, Swiss cheese, turkey & Cheddar cheese. Roll up jelly-roll fashion. Cover both pieces of rolled dough & freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
Cut 7/8-inch thick slices from the dough. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets 2-inches apart. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 22 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Serve with the Spicy Cranberry-Orange Relish.
The Extra Point
The turkey puffs make a tasty addition to lunch salads in place of traditional crackers.
Spicy Cranberry-Orange Relish
makes about 1/2 cup
Trick Play
The cranberries add a lovely tart flavor to this seasonal shortcut fruit spread. Expect a yield of 2/3 cup while warm but once the mixture cools & thickens, the preserves will measure just over a 1/2 cup packed.
1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup orange marmalade
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 tsp minced red jalapeños
Bring all of the ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan over Medium heat. Cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop & the mixture thickens. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl. Chill 1 hour.
The Extra Point
Spread over hot-from-the-oven biscuits or serve with pork tenderloin. Build the ultimate Thanksgiving leftover sandwich by slathering on hearty bread slices with Dijon mustard & cream cheese. Top with a smattering of chopped, toasted pecans, fresh herbs, turkey slices & crisp lettuce.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HOSTESS OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Set The Scene For A House Divided Social
Create a great divide directly down the center of the table. Team colors & school spirit lead the way for a party both sides will appreciate. Let guests join in the fun & contribute snacks to honor their squad. Line up the specialties on sidelines clad with a pep rally of paper goods, linens & bunting to score extra style points.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Elephant Ears
Ham & roast beef change up the flavor in an instant. Roll the dough & bake as directed for additional game scoring points.
Auburn Tigers
Tiger Tails
Football fanatics will be on the prowl for a second helping of these crisp, savory bites that won’t make it past the half. Unravel the flavorful pastry puffs to get the full effect.
etc
Game Day Entertaining 101
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The Tune
“One” Johnny Cash
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{college football} Rebecca Gordon@TidefanFare
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Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
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