SUPER GAME DAY MENU: Wings, Dips and Food Safety

Being a died in the wool Southerner, I have been to more than my share of game day and tailgate parties and I usually eat before I go. People ask me why I don't eat and I always say I'm too nervous or excited to eat but the fact is, I'm often scared to eat! I will often notice food not chilled or heated correctly and see cross-contamination that can result in a minor (or major) bout of food poisoning. Having been on the receiving end of food poisoning a couple of times, I always try to share tips on how to keep party food safe and I've teamed up with the USDA to try to help raise awareness about food safety so more party throwers will know how to prevent foodborne illness.

Boring? Maybe. Essential? Absolutely. Knowing how to keep my guests safe is at the top of my list of priorities. Watch the video and learn how to be party safe... recipes are below!

Food Safety for Game Day from Martie Duncan on Vimeo.

Food Safety for Game Day from Martie Duncan on Vimeo.

GAME DAY MENU

Let's get to the best part, the recipes. I do like to mix it up and serve something unexpected like my Ham and Cheese in Puff Pastry but guests love (and expect) the traditional wings, dips and chips. Here are a few of my own go-to favorites for your game day menu:

Fire Roasted Chipotle Chili- perfect for the slow cooker, this one is as easy as it gets and smoky delicious, too.

Fiery Diablo Chicken Wings- Make these as hot and spicy as you like by adjusting the amount of heat.

Charred Three Onion Dip-Easy peasy and so much more delicious than the store bought kind. Serve with veggie dippers if you are trying to cut some calories. Absolutely addictive!

Build a Bloody Mary Bar-Start with my Bloody Mary recipe and let guests customize their cocktails with all sorts of add-ons.

Homemade Guacamole-Because homemade guacamole and salsa contain lots of fresh ingredients, they can be two of the biggest culprits for foodborne illness. You have to make sure to wash every single item- even the ones you plan to peel. This is always a party favorite but make sure to chill well and offer a big serving spoon so guests don't stand and graze from the serving container. Since my mentor Alton Brown has the best guac recipe I've ever tried, let's use his. I see no point in recreating something that good. Get Sir Alton's guacamole recipe...

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE USDA SAFE FAMILIES FOOD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO TO FOODSAFETY.GOV

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