Dining In: Gameday al Fresco

Fall may still feel like it is many months away, but the arrival of LSU football season has us ready for tailgate parties. A well-planned tailgate is a skill all LSU fans pride themselves on, and the parties are always a success—even when the outcome of the game is not.

That’s why the menu we have created for August has plenty of great food with tons of LSU spirit.

A tailgate isn’t complete without a good cheesy dip. Tracey’s Roasted Garlic and Gorgonzola Dip is a wonderful balance of flavors. The sweet richness of the roasted garlic pairs well with the tangy bite of the Gorgonzola. For a celebratory touch, we like to serve this dip with some purple and gold organic carrots, Belgian endive and crusty ciabatta bread. Specialty carrots like these can often be found at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods. If you can’t find them, though, serve this dip with any of your favorite crudités, and your guests will be just as pleased.

In keeping with the purple and gold theme, we’ve created Spicy Purple Rice Arancini. The Italian dish Arancini consists of rice balls stuffed and breaded then fried. We changed things up a bit and used Louisiana purple rice (found at several local grocers) in place of the traditional short-grain Italian rice often used in these recipes. Arancini is easily made ahead of time and can be stuffed with many different types of cheese. It’s a fun finger food that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

To accompany the Arancini, we suggest grilling Italian Sausage Skewers with Purple Onion and Golden Peppers. The skewers can be prepped ahead of time and are easy for tailgaters to enjoy while they mingle.

To finish off this tailgate menu, Tracey made decadent Blondies infused with a little Abita Amber beer and topped with a beer-infused caramel icing. This Blondie is not as dense and chewy as some recipes, and the beer gives it a lighter texture that makes it irresistible. It is just the right amount of sweet to pep you up for a lively game in Tiger Stadium. Bon appetit and Go Tigers!