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Community Corner

Culinary Capers: Entrees and Drinks for Your Tailgating Pleasure

Try these recipes during your next football outing.

Last week we embraced the football season with a discussion about tailgating and some great appetizer options. This column takes it one step further by delving into some entrees and beverages to add flavor to your pre (and post) game activities. 

If you are an avid camper, you may already have some of the tools needed to prepare the recipes below in the parking lot of your choice. If not, a trip to the local sporting goods store can help you accomplish the mission. 

Last week we provided some details about the latest and greatest grills available for outdoor use. Another investment to expand your recipe options is to acquire a good quality portable propane burner and a Dutch oven. A Dutch oven is a heavy cast iron pot for indoor and outdoor use. It will come in handy for the shrimp recipe below and is a great way to keep gameday favorites like chili or pulled pork warm. Remember, too, that comfort is king for tailgaters and this is a great time of year to check around for great deals on outdoor folding chairs and canopies to add to your event. 

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Game times may vary but tailgating enthusiasm rarely does. So this week we’ve featured a hearty breakfast item with a traditional Bloody Mary to satisfy the early gamers. There is also an easy option for adding shrimp to the menu.  Finally, a couple of quick warm cider recipes, which can be kept in either a thermos or your Dutch oven as the season progresses and the temperature begins to dip a bit.

With the long weekend upon us and some great weather forecasted, schedule some tailgating time with friends to make the most of this beautiful time of year.

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Sideline shrimp and cocktail sauce

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of large shrimp (don't shell them)
  • 1 pound of kielbasa sausage
  • 1 six-pack of good beer (opt for a seasonal micro brew or dark ale)
  • 2 - 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 bottle cocktail sauce OR
  • 2/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons horseradish
  • 2 generous dashes of hot pepper sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions

This shrimp recipe is easy and great for warm-weather games. All you need is a camping stove, large pot, and:

  • 2 pounds of large shrimp (don't shell them)
  • Six-pack of good beer (we prefer a dark ale)
  • 1 pound kielbasa sausage
  • 2 or 3 bay leaves
  • tbsp coriander seeds
  • salt and pepper

The night before the game...

Slice the kielbasa into one-inch slices. Wash the shrimp in cold water.

In the parking lot...

In a large pot, bring to a boil the beer, sausage, bay leaves, coriander seeds, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Dump in the shrimp and bring back to a boil. Boil for about 2 minutes (shrimp should turn pink). Remove with a slotted spoon, discard bay leaves and serve with toothpicks. 

Put the shrimp on ice and serve it cold with cocktail sauce made by mixing together:

  • 2/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup horseradish

Gamers breakfast

  • 2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
  • 2 cans sliced potatoes
  • 2 large onions (chopped)
  • 1 large green pepper (chopped)
  • 1 jar salsa
  • 1 dozen eggs
  • 2 dozen large tortillas
  • 1 package shredded Mexican cheese

Directions

Brown sausage in a large pot. Remove the sausage from grease for time being, and use the grease to saute the onions and potatoes.

Return sausage to pot along with eggs, and salsa. Turn the fire on low and cook (stirring constantly) until the eggs are done to your liking. Spoon from pot onto heated tortilla then cover with cheese.

Best Ever Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

  • 2 (46 ounces) cans tomato juice
  • 1 (10-ounce) can beef bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon coarsely-ground fresh black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 4 ounces lemon juice
  • 1 (5-ounce) bottle Worcestershire sauce
  • Tabasco sauce to taste (for heat)
  • 1 bottle high quality vodka

Preparation:

Combine tomato juice, beef bouillon, pepper, celery salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce. Mix thoroughly. Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka (or to taste) per drink.

Warm apple cider

Ingredients

  • 1 apple
  • 2 teaspoons whole cloves
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 2 quarts apple cider
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • Pinch grated nutmeg
  • 1 cup dark rum (optional)
  • Cinnamon sticks, garnish

Directions

Stud the apple with the cloves. In a medium pot, combine the studded apple and remaining ingredients except the rum. Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the rum. Discard the apple. Ladle into mugs and garnish each with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

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