by Cheryl Abney

Created on: May 17, 2009   Last Updated: June 11, 2010

Eating together is the common element that bonds sports gatherings for memorable good times.  Tailgating parties encompass a variety of foods served out of your vehicle.  Whether you are planning to party pre-game, half-time, or post-game, everyone gathers to have fun, watch sports, and eat plenty of tasty food. A note of caution, be sure to check with the stadium ahead of time to determine if tailgate parties are allowed and if there are restrictions, such as alchohol.

Plan to prepare nutritious food that is simple, satisfying, and a welcome change to the usual hamburger, hot dog or chili fare.   If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the company and game, plan for convenience.   Here is a nourishing menu for cooler weather that is simple to prepare ahead and easy to transport.  Recipes are provided for the starred items.

Tailgate Party Menu:

Cucumber Canapés (finger sandwiches)*

Stuffed Pepper Soup* (Serve in hot beverage cups.)

Asiago Cheese or French Baguette bread

Assorted reduced fat crackers and cheeses

Fruit on a skewer

*Cucumber Canapés Recipe: (3 dozen)

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. light mayonnaise

1/8 tsp. hot sauce

1 8-oz. package reduced fat cream cheese, softened

1 0.7-oz. envelope Italian dressing mix

1 12-oz. loaf cocktail sourdough bread

1 large cucumber, thinly sliced into 36 slices

Garnish: fresh dill sprigs

Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.  Spread cream cheese mixture over bread slices.  Top each with a cucumber slice.  Top each with a tiny sprig of fresh dill for garnish.   

*Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe: (8 Servings)

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. cooking oil

1 ½ lbs. ground turkey

Salt and pepper

½ tsp. allspice

3 - 4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 large onion, diced

3 green bell peppers, seeded and cut into bite-size pieces

1 Bay Leaf

1 quart chicken stock

1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes

3 Tbsp. dried basil

Grated mozzarella cheese to top individual bowls.

Heat the oil in a medium soup pot over medium-high heat.  Add the ground turkey and season with salt and pepper and allspice.  Brown the meat about 5 minutes, and then add garlic, onions, peppers and bay leaf.  Cook 7-8 minutes or until vegt. are tender.  Stir in the stock and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Cook an additional 7-8 minutes. Turn off heat and add the basil.  Remove Bay Leaf.  Serve with bread.

If warm weather

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