I don’t know about you but tailgate season or as some would call it, football season, is a great time of year! I love getting together, eating some food and hanging out with family and friends. Let’s face it, football season for me is another reason to have a good time! I do like the games but I am also a fair weather fan. In my opinion, best times for tailgating are early fall because in Michigan it can get cold quick! I try and avoid the snowy and rainy games!
I have a couple of fun and easy recipes to share with you. They are not for the starving dieter nor the health nut! I like to splurge once in a while and call it balance! Anyway, the first recipe is Better Made Carmel Pops. I had it for the first time around 15 years ago. It is delicious and easy to make.
Better Made Carmel Pops: You will need one 8 ounce bag of Better Made Corn Pops. Place Corn Pops in large roaster pan. For the carmel sauce: In a 2qt sauce pan cook together for 2 minutes the following 1/2 lb butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Add 1tsp baking soda to mixture. This will cause mixture to foam-so 2 qt saucepan is necessary. Pour caramel mixture over Corn Pops and stir until mixed. Place in 250 degree oven for 45 minutes. Stir at least every 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven and pour on wax paper and break apart. Enjoy!
The second recipe is for a Ranch and Bacon Cheese Ball. It is super simple and takes just minutes to make. It will be a fan favorite. Ranch & Bacon Cheese Ball: Mix together two 8 ounce packages of cream cheese, one dry packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing and 4 ounces of finely shredded Colby & Monterey Jack cheese. Form into a ball. Then take 4-6 slices of crispy cooked bacon and crumble on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in it. Cover with Syran wrap and chill for 1 hour. Take out of refrigerator and enjoy with your favorite crackers! Sometimes I divide it into two cheese balls and save one for another occasion.
Lastly a new favorite is the Cider Mimosa. It is super simple to transport to any tailgate party. I use Veuve Cliquot because it is my favorite champagne. It is a bit pricy however there are plenty of champagnes that will do just the trick! I also grab some local cider for this drink, it’s best when it is fresh. It makes a big difference. It depends on your taste but mix in 1-2 parts champagne and cider. You will LOVE this I promise!
When heading to a tailgate I am always trying to simplify things. That is the way my mind works and for that reason alone, these recipes are quick and easy to transport. The worst is when you have something and it gets all over your car! Anyway, good luck to your favorite team and Go Lions!
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