High School Tailgate Party

Last night was the first home football game for my daughter's high school so we decided to celebrate with a little tailgate party. It was also my mom's birthday, so that was even more reason for us to get together. My daughter is a cheerleader, so she didn't get to hang out with us too much before the game, but I was able to get this photo of her and my mom before she had to report for cheer duty. Don't they look good together in their black and white.

I took the tailgate as another opportunity to make cupcakes. I love cupcakes....they are so cute and fun to make. I'm also into making cupcake toppers, so I personalized these with the team name and colors. I found the little footballs at Kroger - I thought they would be perfect for this celebration.

I also decided to make hot wings for the first time ever. I saw this recipe on Pioneer Woman and knew they had to be good. They were really easy to make. My daughter's boyfriend said they were really good and he consumes hot wings on a regular basis. He even ate the leftovers today, so I guess he was telling me the truth and not just trying to be nice - ha ha. I'm not going to post the recipe because Pioneer Woman has a really good tutorial. Give them a try at your next football tailgate...you won't be disappointed!

I wanted something sweet and crunchy, so I also made this Chex Mix with candy corn and Halloween colored M & M's. It was really tasty. There was none left after the tailgate, so I take that as a sign that it was a successful recipe! All my guests brought lots of yummy dishes too, so we were all full by the time the game began. The tailgate was a lot of fun and the Knights won, which made the evening even better! Hope you'll try some of these recipes at your next football party.

Halloween Chex Mix

from chex.com

8 oz. white chocolate baking bars, coarsely chopped

4 cups corn or rice Chex cereal

2 cups bite-sized pretzels (I used Snaps)

1/2 cup raisins

1 cup candy corn

1/4 cup Halloween M & M's

In a large microwavable bowl, microwave chopped baking bars uncovered on High 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.

Gently stir in cereal, pretzels and raisins until evenly coated. Stir in candy corn and m & m's.

Spread on waxed paper or foil until cooled and chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.

Break into chunks. Store loosely covered.