Dawg Food

Tonight was the big Sweet 16 game for the Huskies and my mom came over to watch it with us.  Each of us was wearing some sort of purple gear and our food was sporting some Husky pride too!

Purple Kettle Corn:

In my stove top Whirlypop popcorn popper I used:

just shy of 1/4 c. vegetable oil

1/4 c. sugar

1/3 c. kernals

2 tsp vanilla extract

a few drops each - red and blue food coloring (use a tad more blue than red to make purple)

Combine all ingredients and place on medium heat stove top... (this recipe is specific to the Whirlypop popcorn maker, so check your manufacturer first to avoid an accident!).

Dawgs in a Blanket:

My mom make these little Dawgs in a blanket.  She used refrigerated dough, like Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, and wrapped around full sized uncooked turkey hot dogs stuffed with some cheese.  She used a little extra dough to shape in to 'W's and placed on top.  We baked in a 350 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until dough was nice and golden.  Here is a similar recipe at Pillsbury.com.

Penne & Cheese:

Ok, so the penne & cheese wasn't really Husky theme, but it was a golden color!  Add in a few purple and gold cans of Bud Light and you've got a winning meal.  Too bad the Dawgs didn't win tonight, I was looking forward to an Elite 8 basketball Saturday!  The penne & cheese my mom made (really called 21st Century Macaroni & Cheese) is from http://www.splendidtable.org/.  It has a great garlicky onion flavor, not your traditional ooey gooey cheese.

21st Century Mac and CheeseServes 4


1/2 pound (2 cups ) raw penne pasta, cooked and drained
1 large egg
1 cup milk
1 small clove garlic
3/4 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 generous cup (5 ounces) shredded good quality, extra-sharp cheddar cheese
5 ounces cream cheese, crumbled
2/3 cup (3 ounces) shredded Gruyere cheese

Generous 1/8 teaspoon each hot red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper

Generous 1/4 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 saltines, coarsely crumbled

Preheat oven to 350. Butter a shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish, and add cooked macaroni.

In a blender or food processor combine egg, milk, and garlic, and process 3 seconds. Add onion, cheeses, peppers, salt, and paprika, and blend 10 seconds. Turn into dish, folding into macaroni. Casserole could be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 24 hours at this point.

To bake, bring casserole close to room temperature. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Coat crackers with butter and spread over top of casserole. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes, or until thick yet creamy. If top is not golden, slip under broiler for a minute. Remove from oven, let stand about 5 minutes, and serve.

UW vs. USC

What a game! I don't even know where to begin! Maybe with the fact that UW beat USC!? Amazing energy was running through the stadium and I didn't see one fan leave early. I am so thankful my phone has a camera on it, otherwise I don't think I would believe my eyes... students, fans, athletes all flooding the football field after the final play. We lingered in the stadium for quite some time to watch the celebration!

But what football game is complete without a little tailgating?  Today we (we meaning not pregnant me) enjoyed 'gold' Jell-O shots, purple and gold Bud Light (that I bought 4 cases of while very pregnant - and received many stares), Dump Soup, and the never to disappoint Monster Cookies!

I'm most proud of my budget centerpiece.  The vase is an empty Quaker Oatmeal container covered with one long piece of ribbon continuously wrapped around the canister and glue-gunned along the way.  I bought some purple craft foam for the 'W', and some hydrangeas.  Not only is it a festive vessel, but you can use it to store tailgate supplies if you keep the lid!  Gotta love Michael's craft stores and their 40% off coupons!

Want to make some Monster Cookies of your own?  Here is the coveted recipe.  They are so good, I'm warning you.  They freeze exceptionally well.  Just make the dough, roll in to balls and freeze. This way you can take as many cookies out as you need, or just make a few at a time like Tony and I do.  A few meaning a minimum of three each! :)  Let frozen balls thaw while oven warms up and cook for 9-12 minutes depending on size. 

Monster Cookies

2 sticks butter
2 c. white sugar
2 c. brown sugar
2 c. peanut butter (smooth only)
6 eggs
2 tbsp. vanilla
4 tsp. baking soda
3 c. quick cooking oatmeal

Mix in order given using mixer. Transfer batter to large container and add the following:
6 more c. quick cooking oatmeal
2 c. Nestle chocolate chips
2 c. nuts (optional - I never add them!)
1 med. bag M & M's - these can either be included in the batter or used on top

Mix until well blended. Form cookies (use large mixing spoon for monster size). Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Makes 10 to 12 dozen cookies.

*Note - I realize quite a few people have peanut allergies. Unfortunately, this is a recipe that must include the peanut butter. I have done research to find a good substitute, but alas, PB is where the cookies get their punch.

Dawg Saturday!

Today is the first Husky game of the season! YES! There are so many things to do for a husky home game... make the always important Jell-O shots (yes, prego and making shots...), wear purple and gold all day (had to buy a purple long-sleeved and warm shirt from maternity store last minute due to weather), and head to the stadium to get the festivities started!

We had planned to host our usual tailgate, but pregnancy got the better of me.  So instead I packed up my tasty Jell-O shots and we headed to our friend's tailgate party.  The Jell-O orange wedge shots were a hit, especially with the LSU fans that traveled up from Baton Rouge. Yes, I was friendly and shared... with just a few.

I've been asked by many people how to make these orange slice 'shots'.  The answer is quite simple if you put a little thought in to it. So, I'm going to be mean and let you figure it out on your own. Really, its not hard!  And, what a fun treat (of the non-alcoholic kind) to make if you need to bring snacks to school or kid-friendly party!  Use grapefruits, lemons, limes... basically any type of fruit with a tough skin!