Football Season is here....

Football and entertaining always seem to go hand-in-hand, during the course of my life. Whether just a few friends over for Monday Night Football or a full on Superbowl party; food is always the main attraction.

Even tailgating has spread across the nation and turned into a culinary experience. Traditionally, tailgate parties were held in the parking lot of the stadium, on or around a tailgate held before and/or after the game. Now tailgating has gone from truck tailgates to block parties to yachts and tricked out RV's. Yes, you will find burgers and hot dogs on the grill, but don't be surprised by some of the more elaborate menus around you.

Here are some game-day chow down to consider if you are parked in front of the television like "the sick and the shut in", throwing a backyard football bash or tailgate party.

L.A. Street Vendor Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

8 Hot Dogs

8 Slices Thin/Regular Cut Bacon

8 Hot Dog Buns

Add on(s)

Grilled Onions

Sweet Pickle Relish

Cheese (American - Cheddar-Monterey Jack)

Ketchup/Mustard/Mayonnaise

Toothpicks

1. Preheat broiler on high.
2. Wrap a slice of bacon around each hot dog, securing both ends with a toothpick.
3. Place on broiler pan and broil 4 - 6 minutes or until bacon is crisped.
4. Serve in a bun.

Option: You can slice hot dog (deep) down the middle and stuff with grilled onions, before broiling.

Honey Lime Chicken Skewers

(Photo Credit: Kitchen Meets Girl)

3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
3 Tablespoons Honey
1 Tablespoon  Canola Oil
Juice of one Lime
2 Garlic Cloves
1 - 2 Teaspoon Siracha
3 Tablespoon Cilantro
1 Pound Skinless, boneless Chicken Breasts (cubed)

*Sliced limes into quarters for garnish

1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients (except chicken breast).
2. Place chicken in a 1 gallon freezer storage bag; pour marinade over chicken, press out air, zip bag and make sure all pieces are coated.
3. Allow to marinate for at least 1 hour.
4. Grill on medium heat for 6 - 8 minutes per side, until juices run clear.

New Orleans Muffaletta
(Muffuletta or Muffoletta, pronounced muff-uh-lot-uh or moo-foo-let-ah)

Sandwich

1 Muffaletta Bread or French Bread

1/4 Pound Mozzarella Cheese

1/4 Pound Provolone Cheese

1/4 Pound Ham

1/4 Pound Hard Salami

1/4 Pound Capicola

Olive Salad Spread

1 1/2 Cup Quality Pimento-stuffed Olives, crushed or coarsely chopped

3/4 cup pitted standard black olives

1 Cup Giardiniera (Italian pickled salad including cauliflower , carrots, celery, and onion. This can be found in the pickle aisle at the grocery store.)

2 Pepperoncinis, chopped

2 Tablespoon Capers, chopped

1/2 Cup Red Roasted Pepper Strips, chopped

3-4 Fresh Cloves Garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon Fresh Oregano, chopped

1 Tablespoon Fresh Italian Parsley, chopped

2 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

1 Cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste

***Food processor is not recommended***

1. Combine olive salad ingredients and place in a jar with lid. Refrigerate 24 hours for best results.

Assembling:

1. On the bottom half of the sliced bread round, layer deli meats and cheeses as desired.
2. Spread a generous portion of olive salad on top of the meat and cheese
3. Brush oil from the olive salad on the inside of the top bread layer and place on top of sandwich.
4. Cut sandwich into quarters (or smaller wedges if desired)

Hot Sausage Po Boy

2  32-oz. Hot Sausage Roll   (I prefer Odom's Tennessee Pride)
3 Cups Finely Shredded Lettuce
12 Tomato Slices
1 Thinly Sliced Onion
Sliced Pickles
Mayonnaise/Mustard
4  6-inch French Loaf Bread

1. Make 16 equally proportioned patties. 
2. Place sausage patties in a heavy skillet on medium-high; cook until done.
3. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and toast in skillet with fat rendered from sausage.
4. Spread generously with mustard and mayonnaise on both sides. On one side, heap the shredded lettuce and lay over it the pickle slices, onion, and tomato. 
5. Place 4 hot sausage patties on top, and close up the sandwich as best you can.