Tailgate Recipes

With college football season just around the corner, I’ve started to think about my favorite tailgate recipes. I love to tailgate. The tailgate can sometimes be the best part of the day.  And if you have been rooting for Michigan for the last few years, the tailgate was better than the game.....  So here I go with some tailgate deliciousness. 

Roasted Potatoes with Onions - Easy to make and a big hit for breakfast!

2 lbs. red skinned potatoes, cut in 1 1/2 to 2-inch chunks
1 large sweet onion, cut in large chunks
1/4 tsp dried thyme
3 tbs olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Line a large disposable baking pan with foil; spray with cooking spray or lightly grease. Heat oven to 400. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or food storage bag; toss to coat thoroughly. Arrange in the baking pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until potatoes are tender and nicely browned. *Cook the morning of and then place covered on the grill to re-heat.  (be careful you dont over heat on the grill, keep an eye on these puppies - tbone)

French Toast Casserole – Kids & adults, sober & drunk, everyone likes this recipe!

1 (1 pound) loaf french bread, cut in 1 inch slices
6 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cups half-and-half cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup butter
1 1/3 cups brown sugar

Butter 2 disposable 9x13 inch baking dishes. Arrange the slices of bread in the bottom. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour over bread slices, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, preheat oven to 350. In a small saucepan, combine butter and brown sugar; heat until bubbling. Pour over bread and egg mixture. Bake in preheated oven, uncovered, for 40 minutes. *Place on grill covered with foil to re-heat.  (this is also great if you grill up some breakfast sausage on the grill -tbone)

The Classic Veggie Pizza – This is my most requested recipe.

2 pkgs. croissant rolls
8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup mayo
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dry mix
shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped vegetables: broccoli, pepper, and halved cherry/grape tomatoes

Place croissant rolls on a 9x13 pan flat with seams pressed together. Bake croissants as directed (usually 8 to 10 minutes) until golden. Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise and Ranch mix together. Spread cheese mixture over baked croissants. Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar and chopped vegetables. Cut into squares for serving. *I make this the night before and then add the veggies & cheese the day of.

Chinese Chicken Salad – This is always a hit. Takes you back to college when all you could afford was Ramen!

2 pkgs. Top Ramen chicken flavored noodles
3 chicken breasts, cooked (you can also use a pre cooked roasted chicken and shred it up)
2 pkgs cabbage mix
toasted sliced almonds
3 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp lemon juice
5 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp peanut oil

Remove Ramen flavor packets and set aside. In a large bowl combine cabbage mix and chicken (chopped). Mix in another small bowl sugar, lemon juice, oil and contents of the two flavor packets. Mix well. Mix thoroughly with cabbage and chicken. Add crunchy Ramen noodles and cover. Let it set for 24 to 36 hours before serving, tossing it several times. Scatter toasted almond on top before serving. Do not cook noodles.

 And saving the best for last…Skippy! (Or Skip & Go Naked!)

3 beers (Light beer works best)

2 cans frozen lemonade concentrate

Vodka

Mix beer and lemonade into a pitcher. Fill lemonade cans with vodka and add. Mix, drink and good luck! 

(Ed Note: this will get you very drunk and tastes FANTASTIC.  so be careful)

So next time you’re walking by the Admin Building parking lot before the game stop by, say hi and grab a bite to eat. GO GREEN!