Tailgate Gadget: Portable Grill and Fryer

Recently discovered this blog-worthy tailgate gadget : Blacktop Party Hub 360 Grill & Fryer. Not only does this nifty contraption have a grill, but also a griddle and deep fryer. If you are looking for a gift for your favorite tailgater, or a necessary addition to your own tailgating gear; I would definitely consider this MacDaddy of grills. (It also folds up into a storage bag, so you can clean up and be on the road before College Street backs up!)

War Damn Tailgate!

Thirsty Thursday: Apple Pie Bourbon

The temperatures outside FINALLY started to drop a little, and leaves are showing a little color (but not on poor 'ol Toomers). If you are a 'seasonal eater' like myself, fall means delish chilis, soups, muffins, and pies! Why limit apple pie to a dessert? Check out this Apple Pie Bourbon! With only a little work, and a few days waiting, you can have a tasty fall gameday tonic.    

Apple Pie Bourbon

- 1 Golden Delicious apple, chopped

- 2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1 (750-milliliter) bottle bourbon

- 1/4 cup simple syrup

Prep:

1. Place first 3 ingredients in a 1-qt canning jar. Add bourbon; cover with metal lid, and screw on lid. Let bourbon stand at room temperature for 4 days.

2. Shake jar to distribute flavors. Pour bourbon mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding solids. Stir in Simple Syrup, and pour into a clean 1-qt. canning jar or 3 to 4 small bottles. Cover and store in refrigerator up to 2 months.

(recipe from Southern Living - September 2012)



Gameday Cupcakes

In the recent craze of gourmet cupcakes, Southen Living was inspired to come up with 16 College Football Cakes.  Included in the cupcake line-up were both Auburn and LSU. If you are having trouble coming up with dessert ideas for this weeks tailgate; check out these two recipes. Both recipes use vanilla cupcakes, so the only fuss is the frosting and garnishes!

War Damn Eagle! LS-Who?

Auburn Lemonade Stand Cupcake

Stir 2 tsp. lemon zest, 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and desired amount of yellow food coloring paste into frosting. Garnish with mini straws, lemon slices, and fresh mint sprigs.
(recipe and photo from Southern Living)

LSU: The Mean Mocha Latte


Beat 1 Tbsp. instant espresso powder into frosting with butter. Garnish with chocolate-covered coffee beans and cocoa.
(recipe and photo from Southern Living)




Pumpkin Muffins

As a little colder weather graced us with its presence, I was inspired to make pumpkin muffins. While I was nervous about the recipe many people swear by (Box of Super Moist Cake Mix and Can of Pumpkin), they turned out to be DELICIOUS! The muffins would be great for an early morning game, or as a fall treat at your next tailgate! 

Yes, really, just one box of cake mix and 15 oz can of pumpkin. (Do not use oil, eggs, etc with cake mix)

Surprisingly, the cake mix and pumpkin mix were very moist! Cook at 350 degrees for 15 minutes (if mini muffins- longer if normal size)

I made mini muffins, and the yield was 3 dozen! 

Dusted with powdered sugar, and voila! Pumpkin Spice muffins! 

Tiger Pride: AU koozie

In the ever-growing trend of monograms and personalized koozies, shirts, hats, coolers, you-name-it; how PERFECT of a koozie is this one from Haymarket Designs?

Keep your beer cold and sport your school spirit with this Auburn monogrammed koozie!

War Damn Eagle!

Tiger Tonic: Champagne Julep

Fingers crossed that this weekend we will be celebrating an Auburn victory. If spraying champagne Ricky Bobby style, or sipping on a mimosa gives you a bad case of heartburn; check out this champagne julep as an alternative champagne beverage. Cheers to an Auburn victory! Beat Mississippi State!

Champagne Julep
1 lump sugar
2 sprigs mint
Use long tumbler

Fill glass with champagne. Stir gently and decorate with slices of fruit in season.
(recipe from Garden & Gun)

Crazy for Kabobs

It is not always convenient or feasible to have a grill at your tailgate. However, if you love a good kabob, you can still serve up some tasty skewer treats without the charcoal and grilled meat! Check out these four recipes that are variations from your traditional kabobs. (Plus, you can make them ahead of time, and sit back and relax on game day!)

War Damn Eagle!

Greek Salad Skewers
Ingredients:
12 grape tomatoes
4 oz feta cheese, cut into 12 cubes
1 cucumber sliced into 12 pieces
12 pitted kalamata olives
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 (4-6 in) bamboo/wood skewers
Directions:
1. Thread the skewers starting with a tomato, then a piece of feta cheese, a cucumber and an olive. Repeat.
2. Just before serving, arrange skewers on a platter and drizzle with olive oil.

Chocolate Strawberry Kabobs
Place strawberries on skewers and drizzle with melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. 

Buffalo Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup hot wing sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon cayenne
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 40 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Serve with Ranch and Blue Cheese
Directions:
1. Stir butter, hot wing sauce, sugar and vinegar in a pan over medium-low heat until butter has melted. Remove from heat. In a large ziplock bag, mix cayenne, 1 tsp. pepper, 2 tsp. salt and flour. Add half of chicken and toss until well-coated.
2. In a large skillet, warm half of oil over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from bag, shaking off excess coating. Add to skillet and cook, turning on all sides, until chicken is crispy and no longer pink in the middle, about 6 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Wipe out skillet and repeat, tossing remaining chicken in coating and cooking in remaining oil.
3. Rewarm hot sauce mixture in a pan or microwave. Pour over chicken in a large bowl; toss well to coat. Thread pieces of chicken onto skewers

Antipasto Kabobs
(from the Hungry Housewife blog)
Ingredients:

1  9 oz package of Three Cheese Tortellini (cooked to package directions)
1 can Medium or Large pitted Black Olives
1 5.75 oz jar Green Olives
2 12 oz containers of marinated mozzarella balls
30 slices of Salami, cut in half
60 pieces of pepperoni
1 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad DressingSkewers    
Directions:
Place the cooked tortellini in a bowl or large gallon freeze bag. Pour the salad dressing over the top and marinade in the fridge for a few hours. Drain the pasta. Place one of each item onto the skewer using the pointy side.

BBQ Chicken Bites

I'm always in search of new and tailgate-friendly snack recipes. Today, I stumbled upon this recipe on the Eat Yourself Skinny Blog. Whether you want to make your own bbq or use pre-made bbq; these little bite-sized appetizers will be super easy to make (and eat)! Whip up a batch of these this weekend to enjoy while we watch the Tigers beat Mississippi State!

BBQ Chicken Bites

1 package baked mini phyllo dough shells

2 oz. smoked cheddar cheese (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)

3/4 cup cooked shredded chicken covered in your favorite bbq sauce

3 Tbsp sour cream

Snipped fresh cilantro as garnish

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place phyllo dough shells on a baking sheet and place a cheese cube into each shell. Divide your shredded BBQ chicken evenly among shells. Bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Top with a 1/2 teaspoon of sour cream and garnish with cilantro. 

 

War Damn Eagle! Down with State!

Toomer's Tie

For those Plainsmen who dress up for football games, or like to show Auburn pride at the office; check out this Vineyard Vines Auburn Toomer's Tie. In light of recent events, I think every prosecuting lawyer in the Updyke trial should consider wearing this tie to hearings. A great present to family and friends (or for yourself), this tie is a nice change from the standard navy and orange striped tie. War Damn Eagle! 

Football Cake!

Looking for a different dessert to serve up at your tailgate? Look no further, check out Hershey's "Gridiron Cake." If you have some extra time on your hands, create this culinary football masterpiece and you are sure to wow all your friends with this football cake.

War Damn Eagle!




Hershey's Gridiron Cake

• GRIDIRON CAKE (recipe follows)
• 1 tablespoon HERSHEY'S Cocoa or HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa
• 1 can (16 oz.) creamy vanilla ready-to-spread frosting, divided
• Green, red and yellow food color
• 1-2/3 cups HERSHEY'S Premier White Chips
• 1 package (8 oz.) REESE'S PIECES Candy
• 11 HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
• 11 REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups Miniatures
• 3 HERSHEY'S HUGS Brand Candies
• 6 ROLO Chewy Caramels in Milk Chocolate
• 2 TWIZZLERS Rainbow Twists
• 2 (7-inch lengths) floral or craft wire

Directions

1. 1 Prepare GRIDIRON CAKE. For chocolate frosting, stir cocoa into 1/3 cup frosting; stir until smooth. Set aside 2 tablespoons chocolate frosting. Tint 1/3 cup frosting orange with 1 drop red food color and 2 drops yellow food color; stir until blended. Tint remaining frosting green with 2 or 3 drops green food color; stir until blended.
2. 2 Mark "end zones", 2 inches wide at each end of cake, using wooden pick; frost one end zone with chocolate frosting and the other end zone with orange frosting. Frost the area between end zones with green frosting; mark 5 yard lines with wooden pick. Place white chips all across cake on yard lines.
3. 3 Use white chips to spell out "HERSHEY'S" on chocolate end zone; use brown REESE'S PIECES on the goal line. Use yellow REESE'S PIECES to spell out "REESE'S" on orange end zone. Use orange REESE'S PIECES on the goal line. ( I would replace the 'Hershey's' with AUBURN or TIGERS)
4. 4 Remove wrappers from chocolates and peanut butter cups. Arrange teams on cake playing field, using HERSHEY'S KISSES Milk Chocolates as one team and peanut butter cups as second team. Place HERSHEY'S HUGS Candies as referee officials on the field.
5. 5 Unwrap caramel candies. Make goal posts* in the middle of each goal line on each side of the field by using reserved chocolate frosting to stack and "glue" together 3 caramel candies. Insert floral wire into each twist, bending wire and twist to form "U" shape for goal posts. "Glue" this section with frosting to top of each stack of ROLO caramel candies and anchor with portion of wooden pick pushed into top of each stack. About 18 servings.
   
   * Goal posts are for decorative purposes only and should not be eaten.
   
   
   GRIDIRON CAKE
   1 cup water
   1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
   1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
   2 cups sugar
   1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
   1 teaspoon baking soda
   1/2 teaspoon salt
   3 eggs
   3/4 cup dairy sour cream
6. 1 Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 15-1/2 x10-1/2x1-inch disposable foil baking pan or jelly-roll pan.
7. 2 Combine water, butter and cocoa in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture boils. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat; set aside.
8. 3 Stir together sugar, flour, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs and sour cream; beat until blended. Add cocoa mixture; beat just until blended (batter will be thin). Pour into prepared pan.
9. 4 Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack.

For the Tailgater Who Has Everything.....

Every year while walking around campus, I see some sort of new tailgate gadget or accessory that usually makes me think, "What a good idea!" Recently while on an online shopping search, I stumbled upon some Tailgating Gadgets I had no idea were available for sale or even existed. If you are searching for a gift for your favorite tailgater, I'm sure some of these gadgets would do the trick!

Tinchilla Can Cooler
Boasting to 'chill your beer in 60 seconds,' the Tinchilla Can Cooler cools a beer at a speed 240 times faster than a normal fridge.
http://inventorspot.com/instant_drink_chiller


One of my dear tailgate friends will loveeeee this next gadget (cough, cough, ASM).

Portable Popcorn Maker
Plugs right into your cars cigarette lighter!

EZ Grill
Don't want to lug a grill and charcoal? Just light one of these recyclable grills to heat up your burgers or hot dogs.
http://www.ezgrill.com/

Remote Control Cooler
Don't want to move to get a beer? This cooler will bring it to you!

Trailer Hitch Hammock Chairs
Why sit in camping chairs when you can enjoy a wonderful hammock chair?
http://www.hammaka.com/products/Hammaka-Trailer-Hitch-Stand-%28Hammaka-Chairs-Sold-Separately%29.html




SportsShade Retractable Awning
No need for a tailgate tent when you can attach this awning to your SUV or Truck!
http://www.sportsshade.com/products.html


War Damn Tailgate! 10 Days! 

Who Throws The South's Best Tailgate?

There should be no question in your mind as to which University throws the best tailgate in the South. Apparently, Southern Living can't answer with as much conviction.  From now until October 1, vote for Auburn for 'the South's Best Tailgate!'

http://www.southernliving.com/food/souths-best-tailgate-00417000079284/

Kick Off Crock Pot!

If you won't be attending the game at the Georgia Dome, plug in your crock pot and whip up some of these recipes to enjoy while you watch the game at home or with friends! Instead of slaving away in the heat at the grill, prepare these treats ahead of time and let your crock pot do the rest! 

Weagle, Weagle, War Damn Eagle! 13 Days!

Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks with Blue Cheese

        16     chicken drumsticks (about 4 lbs), skinned-if desired 

          1    16 oz bottle buffalo wing hot sauce (2 cups)

        1/4   cup tomato paste

          2    tablespoons white or cider vinegar

          2    tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

          1    8 oz container dairy sour cream

        1/2   cup mayonnaise

        1/2   cup crumbled blue cheese (2 oz)

  1/4-1/2   teaspoon cayenne pepper

Place drumsticks in a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. In a medium bowl, combine hot sauce, tomato paste, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over chicken in cooker. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours. Meanwhile, for blue cheese dip, in a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, and cayenne pepper. Cover and chill the dip until ready to serve. Using a slotted spoon, remove drumsticks from cooker. Skim fat from cooking juices. Serve drumsticks with cooking juices and blue cheese dip.

 

Asiago Cheese Dip

         1   cup chicken broth or water
         4   oz dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
         2   16 oz carton dairy sour cream
   1 1/2   cups finely shredded Asiago cheese (6 oz)
   1 1/4   cups mayonnaise
      1/2   8 oz package cream cheese, cut up
         1   cup sliced fresh mushrooms
         1   cup thinly sliced green onions
              Thinly sliced green onions
              Baguette- style French Bread Slices        

In a small saucepan, bring broth to boiling. Remove from heat. Add dried tomatoes; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain, discarding liquid. Chop tomatoes (you should have about 1-1/4 cups). Meanwhile, in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine sour cream, the 1-1/2 cups Asiago cheese, the mayonnaise, cream cheese, mushrooms, and the 1 cup green onions. Stir in chopped tomatoes. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours or on high-heat setting for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir well before serving. If desired, keep warm in the slow cooker on low-heat setting for up to 2 hours. Sprinkle dip with additional green onions and serve 
with toasted cheese-topped baguette slices. Makes 7 cups.

Bourbon Glazed Cocktail Sausages


1     16 oz package cocktail wieners or small cooked 
       smoked sausage links
1/2  cup apricot preserves
1/4  cup maple syrup
1     tablespoon bourbon

In a 1 1/2-quart slow cooker combine cocktail wieners, preserves, syrup, and bourbon. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 hours. Serve immediately or keep warm on low-heat setting for up to 1 hour. Serve wieners with wooden toothpicks. Makes 12 servings. 



Hoisin-Garlic Mushrooms

1/2   cup bottled hoisin sauce
1/4   cup water
2      tablespoons bottled minced garlic
1/2   teaspoon crushed red pepper
24    oz whole fresh button mushrooms, trimmed

In a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine hoisin sauce, the water, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Add mushrooms, stirring to coat. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. To serve, remove mushrooms from cooker with a slotted spoon. Discard cooking liquid. Serve warm mushrooms with toothpicks.

(Recipes from Better Homes and Gardens)

Tailgating Find

On my weekly trip to Target, I got sucked into the $1 section (per usual). With the dollar price tag, I usually end up buying something that I really don't need or have use for, but am tempted by the 'bargain.' (Dave Ramsey would scold me). Today I found this little blue carrier. With four compartments and a little handle, I immediately saw a utensil and straw (straws not shown) holder for a tailgate! Added some orange utensils and football ribbon I already had, and "poof!" an Auburn tailgate essential was created.

Almost 2 weeks until tailgate time!

Gameday Garb Jcrew Style

Any of my friends will tell you that I have a slight addiction (besides Auburn football) to Jcrew. Not only do they provide wonderful attire for your every day needs, they offer items PERFECT for your Auburn Game Day Garb. While there are lots of other orange and navy options, check out some of the few I picked out for Auburn ladies and gents for the 2012 season!

(All items shown are currently available online for the Fall at www.jcrew.com) 

War Damn Eagle! 15 Days!







Womens-
Rugby Stripe Boatneck Top
Little Edie Purse
Classic Medium Bangle
Classic Printed Ballet Flats
Matchstick Cord
Bubble Earrings
OGJM Hyacinth Necklace
Polka Dot Scarf
Nautical Stripe Short

Mens-
Secret Wash Shirt in Faded Denim
Cotton Webbing D-ring Belt
Chunky Ribbed Socks
Leather Flask
Merino V-neck Sweater in Medium Stripe
Striped Watch Strap
Classic Gingham Tie
Navy Sperries
Broken-in Long Sleeve Pocket Polo

Auburn Ignited

If you just can't talk about Auburn on social media without an incentive, now you can post to earn prizes. "What?!" you may say. Yes, that's right, Auburn has started a social rewards program called "Auburn Ignited." Instead of entering codes off of 12 packs of Coke, like Coke Rewards, you will 'earn' points for any social postings on Twitter or Facebook that pertain to Auburn. To sign up and find out more visit: http://auburnignited.com/

All in for Auburn!

Tuesday Tiger Tonic

As summer is drawing to a close, "Toomer's" Lemonade Iced Tea is this Tuesday's Tiger Tonic. Simple, yet so refreshing, fix up a batch of this drink for your next bbq, tailgate, or trip to the lake.

For those of you who prefer a stronger libation... stir in a cup of bourbon or cup of dark spiced rum to give your tea a little kick!

Lemonade Iced Tea

• 3 cups water
• 2 family-size tea bags
• 1 (1-oz.) package fresh mint leaves (about 1 cup loosely packed)
• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 4 cups cold water
• 1 (6-oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
• Garnish: fresh citrus slices

• Preparation
• 1. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and stir in fresh mint. Cover and steep 10 minutes.
• 2. Remove and discard tea bags and mint. Stir in sugar until dissolved.
• 3. Pour tea into a 3-qt. container, and stir in 4 cups cold water and lemonade concentrate. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired. (recipe from Southern Living July 2009)

Pledge Your Allegiance to Auburn!

On August 31, people around the country will sport their college colors. "Pledge your allegiance" to Auburn in ESPN's contest!

ESPN's "Pledge Your Allegiance" Contest

R*ll Tide Can Roll Out- Tailgate Roll-ups

While dips and snacks make tasty treats, they don't always fill up tailgaters. If you don't have a grill available, and sub sandwiches aren't at the top of your list, check out some of these "Gameday Roll-ups!"

Tiger Roast Beef Pinwheels
Serves 8-10

Ingredients:
8 oz chive flavored cream cheese
1 package (8-in) flour tortillas
1 lb shaved roast beef
Green leaf lettuce

Spread cream cheese on one side of each tortilla and layer with roast beef then lettuce. Roll tightly and individually wrap each tortilla in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, slice in half for wraps. Place on patter and serve.

(from Missy Mercer's Auburn University Cookbook)

Spicy Chicken Toomers Rolls

Ingredients:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can Ro-tel diced tomatoes, drained
12 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt 
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
6 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
6-8 large flour tortillas

Season the chicken breasts with salt, half of the cumin, and 1 tsp of the chili powder. Add chicken to a skillet and add about 1 cup of water. Cover and cook on med-high heat until cooked through. Add more water if necessary. Once the chicken is cooked, cool slightly and shred with 2 forks.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, drained tomatoes, cheese, remaining spices, garlic, cilantro and scallions. Mix together until well-incorporated. Add cooled chicken and stir together.
Lay out tortillas and divide mixture evenly in the center of each. Spread into a thin layer leaving the edges clean. Roll each tortilla tightly. Use a sharp knife to cut in half and transfer to a serving platter. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Recipe from Homemade by Holman)

If you are in need of morning game breakfast options:

Peanut Butter Breakfast Roll-Up
(recipe for one roll-up)
Ingredients:
1 Flatbread/Tortilla
2 Tbs reduced fat peanut butter
2 strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 banana, cut in half lengthwise
2 Tbs low fat granola

Spread peanut butter evenly over entire flatbread. Layer strawberry, banana and granola. Roll, cut in half, and chill!



Bacon Egg & Cheese Roll-Up
While cold and soggy bacon and eggs aren't appetizing, try this tailgate alternative!
Ingredients:
Flour Tortillas
Hard-boiled eggs sliced
Canadian (or regular bacon)
Slice of cheese

Layer items in the tortilla, roll up, and enjoy!
(recipe adapted from Real Simple Magazine)