Tuning Up For Tailgate Parties
By Joanne Eglash
Food Bowl Columnist
Although summer sports are just beginning (batter up!), it’s also the perfect time to pull out those recipes for tailgate parties and TV watching. That way, when football season kicks off, you’ve done your testing and tasting and can predict that your recipes will be winners. With that in mind, I asked Kimberly Sargen, the Technology Director for TriActive America (http://www.triactiveamerica.com), for her tips. Since Kim manages to blend her technology work at TriActive America with being the mother to a very active toddler to experimenting with recipes, I knew that she’d have suggestions that were both tasty and easy:
For chips and dips, try the Cajun Fire Dip by Spice Hunter, advises Kim. “It's an unusual mix, but it tastes great, and doesn't have nearly as much salt as other choices out there. You can also opt to not follow the directions on the package, and vary it to your tastes.” She recommends mixing it with a 16 oz. container of sour cream, and add just a squeeze (maybe a tablespoon) of mayonnaise. But those who prefer mild flavors, “be warned,” cautions Kim. “This stuff gets hotter the longer it sits, so if you aren't a fan of heat, serve this right after you mix it up! This stuff is also great with vegetables. Dip anything in it.”
Want to prepare a professional-looking vegetable platter? “These days, it's easy to throw one together yourself, since most grocery stores carry packages of precut carrots, celery, and other vegetables,” says Kim. “A few more unusual vegetables, like zucchini, you will have to cut yourself, but it's worth the effort. If you want to go all out, buy a good food mandolin (available at most kitchen stores) and you can cut them at fancy angles and look like a pro!”
For me, it’s the dessert that counts. Kim has concocted a recipe that is easy, quick, and light – but it tastes as good as if you spent hours sweating over a hot stove!
Kimberly’s Berry Trifle
1. Prepare your choice of pudding (vanilla or chocolate work well)
2. Choose fresh berries, such as strawberries or blackberries
3. Buy an angel food cake and a container of whipped topping or whipped cream
Cut the angel food cake into cubes, and lay them on a baking sheet. Toast the cubes in the oven at 300 degrees, until golden and slightly crisp. Cool them completely.
Layer the pudding, angel food cake cubes, and berries in a large bowl or glass dish. Top with whipped topping or whipped cream. If you prefer, place the pudding, angel food cake cubes, and berries in separate dishes and offer it as a “serve yourself" dessert.
Click here
for the Food Bowl and more recipes.
[Top] [Print this Page]
