“Touchdown” Season Meals

By Cindy Adams

Football season is fast approaching and it will be time for watch parties and tailgating. Whether you’re planning an all-day party at your home for the “Big Game” or are invited for tailgating, here are few easy dishes you can make.

Worried about the drinks at your party? Most people will drink beer, but what can be fun for those non-beer drinkers is setting up a Bloody Mary Bar. Check out page 103 and get ideas on how to create the best Bloody Mary.

The Best Bloody Mary

INGREDIENTS:

Bloody Mary Mix

1 48-ounce can of tomato juice or about 6 cups
3 tablespoons prepared creamy hot horseradish
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 1⁄4 teaspoons celery salt
3 teaspoons garlic salt Tabasco sauce
Freshly ground black pepper Pickle-infused vodka,
or regular vodka if you prefer
1 tablespoon celery salt
1 tablespoon kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix the tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic salt and black pepper in a large pitcher. Season with 10-15 shakes of Tabasco sauce, or to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. To assemble drinks, mix the celery salt and kosher salt on a small plate. Dip the rim of your glass in a shallow amount of water, then dip into the salt mix and twist. Fill an 8-ounce glass to the top with ice. Add 2 ounces of pickle-infused vodka or regular vodka then top with Bloody Mary tomato mixture.

3. Garnish with limes, lemons, celery ribs, blue cheese stuffed olives, bacon strips, pepperoncinis, cooked shrimp, hot sauce, pickles, pickled asparagus or green beans, pickled beets, chunks of cheese, and anything your heart desires.

Notes: Be sure to have skewers on hand that are long enough to fit the size of your trimmings for maximum loadability.