Fan Fare
Savor the big game with a game day party that really scores with guests. Keep them cheering with finger-friendly food such as sausage roll ups, cheesy dip and delicious, hot subs and hoagies. And introduce a new all-star to the menu with a football pancake that's sure to earn some extra points!
The following game-winning strategy will help you make your big-game party a champ.
Party-planning tips
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Set the game day stage — Decorate with fan favorites by topping the table with a piece of artificial turf, found at your hardware store. Then, use white athletic tape to add yard lines and white self-adhesive numbers, found at the craft store, to finish your themed tablescape with yardage markers.•
Score with sweets — After the delicious appetizers and main entrees, don't forget dessert. Display cupcakes on a platter and add green "turf" and "yard lines and markers" with frosting.•
Send your guests off in style — Create sports-themed gift bags for guests, featuring team-colored tissue paper and small prizes, such as a freezable plastic mug, bottle koozies and a team bottle opener or coasters. These gift bags also make great prizes for any contests you have during the party, as well!
Prep time: 20 minutesBake time: 15 minutes1 small onion, thinly sliced1 tablespoon olive oil1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls2 tablespoons coarse ground mustard1 package (16 ounces) sausage with cheddar cheeseIn a skillet, sauté onion in oil until light golden brown; cool slightly. Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles (bake or discard two extra triangles). Spread each with mustard and top with onions. Place one sausage on wide end of each triangle; roll up. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 25 minutes1 package (16 ounces) Italian ground sausage2 pounds processed cheese, cubed1 jar (16 ounces) chunky salsa1 tablespoon fennel seed, crushed2 teaspoons garlic powder1 teaspoon anise seed, crushed¼ teaspoon dried basilGarlic toastIn a skillet, cook and crumble sausage until no longer pink; drain. Place cheese in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 6 minutes or until melted, stirring every 2 minutes. Stir in salsa, seasonings and sausage. Microwave 2 minutes longer or until heated through. Serve with garlic toast. Makes 6 cups.Tips• Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.• Serve garlic toast with diced tomatoes and chopped black olives.• To serve in a bread bowl, cut off the top of a round loaf of bread; carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a 1-inch shell. Cube removed bread. Spoon cheese dip into bread shell. Serve with bread cubes.
Prep time: 30 minutesGrill or bake time: 35 minutesSauce1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream½ medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped2 cloves garlic, minced2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper, optionalSub1 package (19.76 ounces) bratwurst1 loaf (1 pound) French bread1 small onion, thinly sliced1 medium tomato, thinly slicedIn a bowl, combine sauce ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until serving.Grill brats according to package directions. When cool enough to handle, cut into ¼-inch bias slices. Slice bread lengthwise and transfer to baking sheet. Arrange brat slices on bread bottom. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until bread is lightly browned. Remove from oven. Top with sauce, onion and tomato. Cut sub and serve.Makes 6 servings.
Prep and cook time: 35 minutes1 package (12 ounces) breakfast sausage links2½ cups pancake mix1 teaspoon baking cocoa or cinnamon1½ cups water¼ teaspoon vanilla extractMaple syrupCook sausage according to package directions; set aside.In a bowl, combine pancake mix and cocoa/ cinnamon. Stir in water and vanilla. Pour ½ cup batter onto a hot greased nonstick skillet or griddle in the shape of a football. Place one sausage link lengthwise down center of batter. Cut two sausage links into thirds; arrange on sides of center link to form football laces.Using two spatulas, carefully turn pancake when bubbles form on top and edges are dry. Cook until second side is golden brown. (Trim edges to resemble a football if necessary). Invert onto a plate, sausage-side up. Repeat with remaining batter and sausage.Makes 4 servings.
