Game Day Goodies: White Chocolate Frito Popcorn

 

I don't know about you all but I HAVE to mix my salty with something sweet when it comes to snacking. I also have to admit a certain fondness for Fritos :) So when I found this recipe I was in heaven.

8 cups of popped popcorn

1 lb. (16 ounces) white chocolate or almond bark
2 cups Frito's, crushed
M&M’s

Pop corn according to package directions. Put popped corn and crushed Fritos into a large bowl. Melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until melted. Pour melted chocolate over popcorn mixture and stir to coat completely. Pour onto a wax paper or parchment paper lined cookie sheet and sprinkle with M&Ms. Allow to cool and dry.

I found this recipe here.

Game Day Goodies: Cinnamon Tortilla Chips n Fruit Salsa

How is it that everytime I sit down to share a recipe, I am instantly STARVING!!

I'm going to need a "fourth meal" after I write this out.

This quick and easy yummy-ness is a HIT with the kids! And, well..... me.

Ingredient ideas for fruit salsa:
1 peeled and diced apple
1 cup sliced strawberries
2 sliced bananas
2 sliced kiwis (optional) (delicious!)
1 Tablespoon lime juice
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and nutmeg to taste

Ingredients for tortilla chips:
Flour tortillas
Cookies Spray
Cinnamon and sugar!

Toss the fruit together and chill in the fridge before serving... (Another alternative is Costco's peach mango salsa!)

For the chips, preheat oven to 350. Slice flour tortillas into triangles... (I stack them in a pile like pancakes and then slice it like a pizza with a pizza cutter) Arrange the tortilla triangles in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Spray with cooking spray, and then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar!

Bake for 5-8 minutes, watching carefully.

Voila! A sweet, crispy ... and healthier version of chips and salsa!

Game Day Goodies: Buckeyes!

I lived in Dublin during my High School years... okay I wish that one... Dublin OHIO... and became an avid Ohio State Buckeye Fan! During my Senior Year, I did an Athletic Training internship at Ohio State for a week, spending some time with the football players in the locker room too. (I still heart Joe Germaine)

One of my favorite football game day goodies comes from this time in my life. The school mascot for OSU is Brutus the buckeye! (huh?) 

bc the Buckeye is the Ohio state nut! 

But I do love Brutus, and I DO love this chocolate peanut butter version of the Buckeye nut. Enjoy!!!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 cups confectioners' sugar
• 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and confectioners' sugar. The dough will look dry. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
2. Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (to be used later as the handle for dipping) and chill in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
3. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth.
4. Dip frozen peanut butter balls in chocolate holding onto the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them look like Buckeyes. Put back on the cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.

Peanut Butter Chocolate BUCKEYES! 

Game Day Goodies: Frito Dog

Um.... can I just say that I want to bear hug whoever wrote the inspirational piece I found: "30 ways to top a dog"......... all about different ways to dress a hot dog for game food! NOW we're talkin'! Don't worry, these are not my next 30 Friday recipe spots. However I will definitely throw a favorite in every so often. These are a cinch, and are an exciting twist on your classic hot dog! Just in case my mom reads this, I should add that you should always buy Nitrate Free hot dogs:) Aka Trader Jo's. 

Okay with that disclaimer aside, here we go:

Hot Dogs

Toasted hot dog buns

Your favorite bean chili

Shredded cheese

Pickled Jalapeños

Crushed FRITOS

Directions: Well, basically, load them all up together in your toasted bun! Check out this picture below for aesthetically pleasing-ness. Leave out the Jalapeños for your little niños. Grub a lub!

Yummmm. Frito Dog!

Game Day Goodies: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Yummmmm I am salivating as I type this already. If you haven't had these yet - they are a must try! Easy ingredients, fast procedure, super delicious! I've made these several times for football parties, new years, and, well, even breakfast. Talk about the perfect mixture of carmelized sugar, grease, and meat.

Bacon Wrapped Lil' Smokies!

1 package beef cocktail weiners (14 ounce)

1 pound bacon, sliced into thirds

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar (or more to taste!)

Toothpicks

Preheat oven to 325. Wrap each lil' smokie with bacon, securing with a toothpick. Place on a large baking sheet. Then sprinkle generously with brown sugar! Bake for about 40 minutes, until the brown sugar is warm and bubbly. Serve hot, or keep warm in a slow cooker on low setting until ready to party! This is supposed to yield "16 servings" ... but whatever, it's more like 3 or 4 at my house. Enjoy!!