Tantalizing Tailgate Treats

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

12 Sep 2009 06:13 AM

Are you ready for some football? Whether you are a fan of high school, college or pro football (or all three), then this is your weekend to celebrate. The pigskin is back in action, and that means tailgating season is ready for kick-off.

If you are looking for some tasty tailgating dishes that don't require a ton of time or effort (or utensils) to prepare, then consider the following:

TROPICAL SALSA

Ingredients:

1 large ripe mango, chopped

1/4 cup red onions, chopped

1/4 cup green and yellow bell peppers, chopped

1 (8-ounce) can pineapple tidbits in juice, drained

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Salt to taste

Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl and serve with tortilla chips.

MEXICAN ROLL UPS

Ingredients:

1 package soft tortilla shells

1 (8-ounce) cream cheese

1 small sour cream

1 small chopped black olives

1 dry mix taco seasoning

1 cup finely shredded cheese-Mexican Four Cheese blend

Toothpicks

Directions:

Mix ingredients in a large bowl.

Spread a thin layer of mixture onto soft shell, leaving about ½-inch around the edges.

Roll shell as tight as you can. Hold with toothpicks.

Chill rolls for a few minutes, and then slice.

Serve with salsa for dipping.

TROPICAL MINI BURGERS

Ingredients for Burgers:

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

4 canned pineapple slices, drained

12 small whole-wheat dinner rolls, split

Lettuce

Ingredients for Sauce:

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

1/4 cup pineapple preserves

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

Directions:

Combine ground beef and Worcestershire sauce in medium bowl.

Lightly shape meat mixture into twelve 1/2-inch thick mini patties. Set aside.

Combine sauce ingredients in small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals.

Grill, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally.

Brush pineapple slices with sauce and place on grill around burger patties. Grill pineapple 4 minutes, turning once and brushing with additional sauce.

Remove pineapple, keep warm.

Brush burgers with remaining sauce.

Cut each pineapple slice into thirds. Line bottom of each roll with lettuce, top with burger, then with pineapple piece. Add top of bun and serve.

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Football Food

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Shrimp-tastic Snacks

Delightfully Delicious Dips

Hearty Party Dips

Super Sandwiches for the Big Bowl Games

Bowl-o-Rama: Party Recipes for Football Fans

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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