Game Day Entertaining
September 10, 2016
Alabama vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Auburn vs Arkansas State Red Wolves
Dixie Barbecue
One of the best southern-style picnics you can host features barbecue favorites in the first string. Gathering with friends outside, especially during football season is something to relish. Ribs are a fanatics dream. Add a shot of the opposing team’s state pride, Kentucky bourbon, then marry with a saucy Tuscaloosa classic and there’s no question the ribs will be devoured quickly. And what barbecue spread would be complete without a slice of homemade pie? Auburn fans can feast on an Arkansas specialty studded with pecans grown in neighboring Macon County just a wee bit down the road from campus. Without a doubt, sweet victory will be worth every bite with this opposing team taunting Dixieland delight.
The Game Plan
Organize the starting line up of specializes on wooden & slate boards.
Integrate utilitarian half sheet pans & metal platters with beautiful patinas.
Create a formation of picnic nibbles…
Cheese, miniature biscuits, jam, B&B pickles & roasted peanuts make snacking easy.
Prepare the deviled eggs, the rub, the glaze & the pie up to 2 days ahead.
Take care of the rib prep the night before & smoke on game day.
A bourbon cocktail classic such as a mint julep
makes great use of abundant end-of-season fresh mint.
Ice down your favorite beer picks for a festive, spirited tailgate party.
The Television Tutorial
Tide & Tigers Today
Tailgating
2016
Episode 2
Dixie Barbecue
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The Menu
Dixie Barbecue
Local favorites make it easy for fans from both schools to devour the competition.
Bourbon & Cherry Coke Ribs
Picnic Platter
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
Old-Fashioned Strawberry Jam & Ginger-Peach Hot Pepper Jam
Cheddar Cheese * Party Biscuits * Classic Bread & Butter Pickles * Roasted Peanuts
Vanilla-Chocolate Icebox Pie
Bourbon & Cherry Coke Ribs
makes 6 appetizer servings
Trick Play
The barbecue sauce from a Tuscaloosa landmark, Dreamland, delivers a shot of pungent flavor to balance the concentrated southern nectar-based glaze.
1 1/2 cups hickory wood chips
1 {3-lb} slab St. Louis-style or baby back ribs
Bourbon Chipotle-Thyme Rub
Charcoal
Bourbon & Cherry Coke Glaze
Dreamland Barbecue Sauce
Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes. Drain. Place in heavy-duty foil & make a packet. Poke a few holes in the foil. Pull the thin membrane from the backside of the ribs. Slather the Bourbon Chipotle-Thyme Rub liberally on both sides of the ribs. Let stand 20 minutes.
Build a fire with the charcoal & push it over to one side of the grill. Add the packet of wood chips. Top with the grill grate. Place the ribs over the empty side to utilize an indirect heat cooking method. Top with the lid & adjust the vents in order to maintain a temperature between 225 to 275 degrees. Cook the ribs over indirect heat 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 185 to 190 degrees. You’re looking for a pink smoke ring in the pork. Check the progress every 30 minutes. Be sure the side closest to the heat isn’t cooking too quickly. Rotate the ribs if necessary. Meanwhile, prepare the Bourbon & Cherry Coke Glaze. Before removing from the grill grate, slather the ribs with the Bourbon & Cherry Coke Glaze. Cover with the lid & cook for 10 minutes. Remove the ribs & let stand 10 minutes before cutting. Serve with additional barbecue sauce, if desired.
The Extra Point
Follow the basic fundamentals to prepare the ribs but feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices & glazes.
Bourbon Chipotle-Thyme Rub
makes about 1/2 cup dry rub sans the bourbon
Run The Option
Apple juice can be substituted for the bourbon, if desired.
2 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 Tbsp Kentucky bourbon
Combine the first 6 ingredients in a small bowl. Stir in the bourbon, forming a paste. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Use this flavorful blend on chicken or pork before adding to the grill. Top over salads or serve with a sideline of fresh vegetables.
Bourbon & Cherry Coke Glaze
makes about 2/3 cup
Trick Play
Prepare this concentrated finishing sauce while the ribs are on the smoker.
Adding a smidgen of liquor at the end of the cooking time intensifies the bourbon flavor beautifully.
1 {7.5-oz} can co-cola
1/2 cup cherry preserves
1/4 cup Dreamland Barbecue Sauce
3 Tbsp plus 2 tsp Kentucky bourbon
Cook the co-cola in a small saucepan over Medium-High heat for 15 minutes or until reduced by 2/3. Pull the pan away from the stove eye. Add the preserves, the barbecue sauce and 3 Tbsp bourbon & bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to Medium & cook, stirring occasionally, 12 to 15 minutes, or until thickened to the consistency of pancake syrup. Remove from the heat & stir in the remaining 2 tsp bourbon. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Substitute blackberry preserves for the cherry preserves in an equally lovely option. Stir in a smattering of fresh thyme leaves to move up quickly in tasteful BCS tailgating rankings.
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
makes 2 dozen
12 hard-cooked eggs
5 to 6 Tbsp mayonnaise
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp prepared horseradish
1/4 tsp table salt
Paprika & freshly ground pepper
Cut the eggs in half & remove the yolks. Mash the yolks well in a medium bowl with a fork. Whip in the mayonnaise & the mustard with a fork. Stir in the horseradish & the salt. Fill a disposable pastry bag with the yolk mixture. Snip the end of the bag about an inch from the bottom. Fill the egg white halves with the mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle with paprika & pepper just before serving.
The Extra Point
Deviled eggs make ritzy lunch salad additions plus they pack in a bit of filling protein. Consider skipping the classic salad dressing & drizzle with a fresh burst of lemon juice instead.
Vanilla-Chocolate Icebox Pie
makes 8 servings
Trick Play
Devour the competition with an Arkansas specialty that pairs perfectly with barbecue classics. A nut studded shortbread crust is topped with layers of no-bake cheesecake filling, chocolate pudding & sweetened whipped cream. Auburn fans can make the pie their own by preparing it with pecans from neighboring Macon County located just a hop, skip & a jump from Opelika, Alabama. For a stunning presentation, sprinkle the pie with toasted pecans & a chopped milk chocolate candy bar just before serving.
1 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp powdered sugar, divided
1/2 cup softened butter
1 {8-oz} package cream cheese, softened
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 Tbsp sour cream
Chocolate Pastry Cream
1 cup whipping cream
Garnishes: Toasted chopped pecans & chopped milk chocolate
Combine the flour, the chopped pecans & 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a small bowl. Cut in the butter with a fork. Toss the mixture through your fingers until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into a lightly greased 9-inch pie plate. Freeze the crust for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the crust on a baking sheet & lightly grease the dough with cooking spray. Line the dough with parchment paper & fill with dried beans. Bake 10 minutes. Carefully remove the dried beans and return the pie plate to the oven. Bake an additional 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove the crust from the oven & cool completely. Beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar & the vanilla with an electric mixer until blended. Fold in the sour cream with a rubber spatula. Spread the mixture into the crust. Chill 30 minutes.
Prepare the Chocolate Pastry Cream. Spoon the mixture into a bowl & place plastic wrap directly on the surface. Let stand 5 minutes. Pour the warm chocolate filling over the cream cheese mixture. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface & chill at least 8 hours. Beat the cream & the remaining 2 Tbsp powdered sugar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Dollop over the Chocolate Pastry Cream just before serving. Garnish with toasted pecans & chocolate.
Chocolate Pastry Cream
makes enough for one pie layer
1/3 cup sugar
4 tsp cornstarch
2 egg yolks
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate morsels
Whisk together 1/3 cup sugar & the cornstarch in a 2-quart saucepan. Whisk together the egg yolks & the milk. Whisk the milk mixture into the sugar mixture. Cook, whisking constantly, over Medium heat 6 to 7 minutes or until thickened & bubbly. Cook 1 additional minute. Turn off the heat & add the chocolate. Stir it around a bit & whisk until smooth. Use as directed.
The Extra Point
Consider replacing a traditional birthday cake with this crowd-pleasing celebration pie.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HOSTESS OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Talk A Good Game Of Football
Sometimes you need to do a little homework to put on your best game face. If you’re in it for the tailgating food & cocktails that’s perfectly okay but it’s always a smart idea to have a few back pocket play calls. Here are some team facts to help you navigate a game winning conversation full of football know-how.
Alabama vs Western Kentucky
The 2012 meeting between the two schools ended in a blowout victory by the Crimson Tide with AJ McCarron all over the WKU defense. A 35-0 final game score would put the Tide on top this particular week but the season would take a turn. Texas A&M would upset Alabama in November & put the chances for another shot at a BCS championship invitation in jeopardy. Fortunately, Alabama’s Nick Saban stepped in to coach one of the wildest SEC Championship games to date against the Georgia Bulldogs led by Mark Richt that played out more like an olympic ping-pong match. However, the Tide rose that evening & prevailed winning a chance to play & defeat the fighting Irish of Notre Dame in the BCS game to clench the coveted National Championship title.
The Crimson Tide & the Hilltoppers face off for an SEC vs Conference USA matchup in Tuscaloosa, Alabama’s historic Bryant-Denny Stadium. Bobby Petrio took the helm for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the 2013 season after being let go as the Arkansas Razorbacks head coach. He stayed for only one season when the game ball was passed to Jeff Brohm who has been leading the charge ever since that time. Although Alabama & Western Kentucky don’t share a lengthy, storied football history filled with musical chairs coaching drama & penalty-packed player rivalries, the matchup should prove to be a great fundamentals exercise to find out what the players from both sides are truly made of.
Auburn vs Arkansas State Red Wolves
Without a doubt, these two teams have history. Although Auburn walked away with a 38-9 victory after the 2013 matchup with Arkansas State, it proved to be an emotional one with Malzahn leading the charge from the opposite sidelines. After leaving the Tigers as an offensive coordinator from 2009 to 2011, he joined the Arkansas State Red Wolves to serve as the head football coach in 2012 proceeding another SEC notable, Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze. Gus Malzahn returned to Auburn to take the helm the very next year & has been driving the Gus Bus ever since.
Arkansas State ended the 2015 football season as Sun Belt title champions with a 9-4 overall record under coach Blake Anderson who has been at the helm since 2014. Upon hiring, Arkansas State added stiff buy-out provisions to his contract to insure much needed consistency & stability for their football program. The move was aimed at ending a revolving door of using the post to catapult one year coaches at their University into bigger conferences & pay checks elsewhere. We’ll just have to wait & see if any unfinished business unfolds in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
etc
Game Day Entertaining 101
visit these posts for more tailgating party inspiration
Pull Apart Pepperoni Pizza Bread
Pimiento Cheese-Bacon Tailgating Bread
The Ultimate Game Day Snack Mix
Southern Game Day Fritto Misto
Game Day Entertaining: The Dairy Playbook Of Tailgating Recipes
Game Day Logistics 101: Kick-Off A Smashing Tailgate Season
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
“Boogie Everywhere I Go” John Lee Hooker
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{college football} Rebecca Gordon@TidefanFare
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Be sweet.
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