Crowd pleasers for Saturday tailgating.
If you're headed out to pass a good time with friends tailgating at Cajunfield and looking for some ideas for your game day menu, try these two from the Junior League of Lafayette's cookbook, Something to Talk About. The cookbook boasts recipes for occasions celebrated in South Louisiana and features an entire menu planned around football snacking.
Photos by: Kari Walker
Sure, you can stop and buy a bottled Bloody Mary mix, but Cajun Bloody Marys have been tested by the League ladies and gets the seal of approval from INDEats - we like extra Tabasco for intense Cajun spice. Mix a batch in a sealed container ready for tomorrow and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
Touchdown Trail Mix is a favorite for young and older fans alike - the blend of salty, sweet and crunch make it a good grab and go snack or light dessert after a big plate of jambalaya. This too can be made ahead of time and easily poured into individual small cups or bowls for guests to take without having to get messy hands.
Cajun Bloody Marys
Servings: 10
1 quart Beefamato juice
1 quart Clamato juice
5 T Worcestershire sauce
3 t fresh lime juice
1 T Tabasco sauce
2 cups vodka (INDEats suggests Tito's Vodka)
Cajun or Creole seasoning to taste
Lime halves
Combine all ingredients into a large pitcher and stir well. Chill for 24 hours for the best flavor. Before serving, add extra lime if desired and scrape in a little pulp into the mixture. Serve over ice.
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Touchdown Trail Mix**
Yields: 8 cups
1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 C crunchy peanut butter
1/2 C dry-roasted peanuts
2 C rice Chex cereal
2 C corn Chex cereal
2 C wheat Chex cereal
1 C powdered sugar
Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until the chocolate is melted, stirring after one minute. Add the peanut butter and peanuts and stir until mixed. Fold in the Chex cereals gently, stirring until well coated. Place the powdered sugar in a large paper bag. Add the coated cereal. Close the bag and shake gently to coat the cereal with the sugar. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For the complete tailgate menu suggested by the Junior League of Lafayette, Something to Talk about can be purchased online or at League headquarters located at 504 Richland Ave. Contact the ladies to get your copy - sales of the book benefit projects serving women and children in the Lafayette community.