Family+Friends+Fall+Football=Fabulous

The pumpkins are out, the mums are in, the air is cleaner and the sunlight sparkles. You can't help but walk with a spring in your step. Sweater weather is around the corner and the leaves will soon start their annual magic show. Geese in formation are already flying, honking like crazy as they head South. Additionally, every man, woman and child sports something either orange and black or crimson and cream. It's crisp and clean and breezy and bright. It's autumn in Oklahoma.

If you're going to college games, you'll most likely tailgate with family and friends. I have been trucking food up to Norman for so many years, I can do it blindfolded. Once noteworthy day, as I proudly unpacked three days of effort, #1 son commented, "Gee Mom. This looks great but what I really like is Charlie's Chicken chunks and chips and white sauce from Hamlin's." Sigh. I guess you can take the boy out of Muskogee but not take Muskogee out of the boy.

One family with Muskogee connections has taken tailgating to a new level. Cheryl (Sanders) and Allan Harder have made OU Game Day a family affair. Cheryl shared that the Saturday menu is planned jointly with her daughter at least a week ahead. The Harder's arrive several hours early, pulling a trailer to set up their party. And I do mean set up. Awning, futon, TV, charcoal grill and portable generator all make the trip to Norman from OKC.

Three generations of Harder family and friends gather every home game. I had the good luck to be walking by a week or so ago and Cheryl invited me over. We go clear back to elementary school (we were the Pershing girls, we wore our hair in curls......) but I had not seen Cheryl in a while. It was a great time for me to reconnect. Fajitas were sizzling on the grill, a cattle trough of refreshing beverages was offered and a son-in-law was tootling around the parking lot on a motorized ice chest. (Yes, a motorized ice chest). Not only does the Harder clan serve a pre-game meal, but hot dogs and all the fixins' are always on the menu for a "post game pick me up" and a "wait til the traffic clears" diversion. Traditions. Family. Fun. Sounds like a family that reads "The Care and Feeding of Teenagers"! (Actually they do. Cheryl shared it's one way she keeps up with her hometown).

I don't know that any of us will get as elaborate as the Harder's but here are a few unexpected tailgating recipes that are easy to transport and will please all ages of football fans.

Sugared Bacon
1 lb bacon
1 cup + 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
a tablespoon cinnamon
Cut each bacon slice in half. Combine sugar and cinnamon and coat each 1/2 slice with the mixture. Twist and arrange on a rack in a broiler pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the sugar is bubbly. Cool on a sheet of foil. Wrap lightly with foil and serve at room temperature. (Do not refrigerate) Note: These are addictive. Make lots and forget the fat grams and calories for the day.

Tailgate Tortillas
2 pkgs (8 oz) cream cheese
1 cup chopped almonds-toasted
1/2 cup green onions
2 tbs Dijon mustard
1 tsp dill weed
1 tsp dried basil
1 jar roasted red peppers-drained and chopped
6 large flour tortillas
1 pound thinly sliced ham
8 leaves lettuce
Blend cheese with first first 7 ingredients.
Lightly Steam tortillas and spread cream cheese mixture on each tortilla.
Top with shaved ham and lettuce/dividing evenly.
Roll tightly, sealing edges. Roll in aluminum foil and chill until ready to pack in ice chest.
To serve, slice diagonally and place cut side down.
Yield 6-8 servings
Serve with your favorite salsa and homemade guacamole.

Marinated Shrimp Antipasto
1 1/2 pounds shrimps, cooked, peeled and deveined (I buy frozen and ready-just follow pkg instructions)
6 ounces Provolone cheese
1 6 oz can pitted black olives
1/2 c sliced green onions
2/3 cup lemon juice
2 tbs Dijon mustard
2 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp salt
4 ounces Genoa salami, cubed
a red bell pepper- seeded and cubed
1 yellow bell pepper-seeded and cubed

Place shrimp, cheese, olive and onions in shallow dish.
Combine remaining ingredients except salami and peppers. Pour over shrimp mixture.
Cover and refrigerate overnight, stirring occasionally.
Add salami and peppers. Toss well and drain.

Apple Slices and Creamy Caramel Dip

1 8 z cream cheese
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 c. sour cream
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsps lemon juice
1 cup cold milk
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding

Beat cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.
Add the sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, milk and pudding mix, beating well after addition.
Cover and chill at least one hour.
Slice apples on sight and serve with dip.
( I might also serve with strawberries, pineapple chunks and sliced Sara Lee Pound Cake)

HAPPY TAILGATING!!!

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