The Ultimate GameDay Feast: How to Party in the Cold!

For large swaths of the country, now that we’re in the middle of October, it’s starting to get cold out! Of course, cold weather is synonymous with football and the NFL. Some of the most legendary games in NFL history have been played in the snow or extremely cold weather (think of the Divisional Round game in 2002 between the Raiders and Patriots at Gillette Stadium, the freezing cold game in the NFC Championship Game in Lambeau Field in 2007 between the Giants and Packers, or the snow game between the Lions and Eagles at the Linc in 2013.) Fortunately, the party and festivities don’t have to stop when it gets cold out! You can still be the star that brings all of your friends and family together to enjoy comfort food, warm drinks, and of course, NFL football!

Section 1: The Hearty Feast

1. Spicy Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 2 cans of kidney beans
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 can of corn
• 1 packet of chili seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and onions in a large pot.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and corn.
3. Stir in the chili seasoning.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

2. Classic Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to form a roux.
3. Add milk and cook until thickened.
4. Stir in 4 cups of cheddar cheese until smooth.
5. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni.
6. Place in a baking dish and top with remaining cheddar, Monterey Jack, and bread crumbs.
7. Bake at 350°F until golden and bubbly.

Section 2: The Warming Elixirs

1. Hot Toddy

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2-3 oz hot water
• 1 lemon wedge
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Pour the whiskey and honey into a mug.
2. Squeeze the juice from the lemon wedge into the mug.
3. Fill the mug with hot water.
4. Stir with the cinnamon stick.
5. Enjoy your warm and soothing hot toddy.

2. Irish Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot coffee
• 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
• 1 oz brown sugar
• 1 oz heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Pour hot coffee into a warm mug.
2. Add the Irish whiskey and brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Gently float the cream on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
4. Sip and savor the rich and comforting Irish coffee.

As we can see, the only limit to your next GameDay is your imagination! The party and fun doesn’t end when the cold arrives. In many ways, the party is just beginning when snow arrives. Use these recipes for your next party and you’ll undoubtedly be the MVP of the day.