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: 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!!