Game Day Grub

Clever Tribe:

I have been asked for some game day recipes which can be created and served high fat or low fat- depending on who is monitoring your intake (you or your date). The Texas Caviar and Cheese Dip are great for tailgating or at home because they are easy to prepare ahead of time, the recipes double and triple flawlessly and mobile- no concern for being left out for grazing.

It is Texas OU weekend (or OU Texas) and the party starts today. I have already made the below items because Clever Girls shop and prepare ahead of time so you have NO excuse for picking up the perfunctory cold cut and veggie tray from Tom Thumb (BARF).

Tomorrow will be a hot recipe, a main dish and a side dish and Saturday some secret information for Clever Girls to impart when the game starts.

HOT APPETIZER SHOPPING LIST

one can of chili. I use non-fat turkey chili with beans. Chose your favorite.

one block or container of Philadelphia Cream Cheese

one bag of mixed grated cheese

favorite tortilla chips

SHOPPING LIST FOR MAIN COURSE (TAILGATE OR AT HOME)

1 package of pork tenderloin (should contain two tenderloins)- not port roast

20 tortillas of choice

salt

pepper

garlic

SIDE DISH SHOPPING LIST

one head of green cabbage

one red, yellow, orange pepper (you can use the other half from Texas Caviar)

1 bunch of cilantro

1 red onion

jalapenos

1 bottle of Kraft Original

reduced fat mayonnaise

cider vinegar

white pepper

a packet of Splenda

Spices you should have on hand to add my twist to the bbq sauce-

garlic Powder

worcesteshire sauce

tabasco

cayenne pepper

chilli powder

TEXAS CAVIAR (having nothing to do with fish or fish eggs)

This fantastic recipe was introduced to me only last year by Charter Member of the Clever Tribe, Julie. Born and raised in the Dallas area, she has exposed this Yankee Clever Girl to all kinds of fabulous cuisine.

SHOPPING LIST FOR TEXAS CAVIAR

two cans of black-eyed peas

one can of black beans

tortilla chips

a red, yellow and orange pepper

jalapenos

1 bunch of cilantro

1 red onion

1 tomato

3 pickling cucumbers

Your favorite Italian Dressing- I like to make Good Season (red wine vinegar and oil)

In a large bowl combine the following:

two cans of black eyed peas (no bacon) rinsed

one can of black beans rinsed

one half of each- diced (this is mostly for color- they all taste the same)

red pepper

yellow pepper

orange pepper

half a red onion- diced

One bunch of cilantro rinsed, picked and chopped coarsely. I like to add this right before serving because it looks nicer.

1 large tomato diced. I add this at the last minute before serving so the tomatoes hold their shape and look fresh.

Fresh sliced jalapenos to taste.

Three pickling cucumbers- they are the small ones you wonder about in the produce area- usually very dirty so wash well. These cucumbers are more dense and crispy than the hot house or hydroponic ones. Dice them bite sized and don’t peel.

Add ¾ s of a bottle of your favorite Italian dressing. I am partial to making Good Seasons in the little glass cruette. When you make it healthy, use 2/3 red wine vinegar, almost a third of heart smart oil (I like Enova) and a splash of water- plus seasoning packet.

Shake, pour over your Texas Caviar- chill and serve with a variety of chips- the baked Scoops from Frito Lay are perfect.

COTTAGE CHEESE DIP FROM EL AZTECO IN E. LANSING

A must have for game day and I am certain every single guy reading this is going to groan- “I hate cottage cheese” just as every dude who I have fed it to said before it went in his mouth. It’s really, really, good. Even when you really, really, don’t like cottage cheese. Just try it. For me. This is for you G-F (one of the Cleverest Guys I know).

SHOPPING LIST FOR COTTAGE CHEESE DIP

16 oz container of Cottage Cheese

2 Packages of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing powder

1 bunch of green onions

1 bag of grated cheese

small container of sour creme

celery

Tricuits

In a large bowl- combine the following:

16 oz container of Cottage Cheese

1.5 packets of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing powder

1 bunch of green onions- chopped, yes, use the green part

¾ bag of grated cheese (I like to use Colby cheddar for color- some devotees from MSU prefer only a white cheese, not swiss)

a large tablespoon of sour crème

As with all the dairy products in this recipe, choose the amount of fat in accordance with your dietary preferences- you won’t believe it, but this dip is just as good with non-fat cottage cheese and non-fat sour crème. I always use low fat mixed grated cheese.

Blend well and serve chilled with celery, Triscuits, tortilla chips and again, the baked Scoops are perfect for the deep dipper.

And now, this Clever Girl is off to partake in the pre-game festivities with some of her most favorite of the Clever Tribe.