Game Day Starts at the Table
Football season is back, and while we love a good game, we might love what happens around the game even more.
The snacks that somehow turn into a full meal. The friends who linger long after kickoff. The family recipe everyone asks for. The bowl of queso that disappears before halftime. And, of course, the inevitable debate over which team is actually going to win.
Around here, game day is about more than what's happening on the field. It's about gathering around the table and sharing something good. Whether you're hosting a backyard tailgate, heading to a friend's house, or keeping things casual in the living room, we've rounded up a few of our favorite ways to make game day delicious.
Our Favorite Recipes
Now for the good stuff. Here are the recipes we're putting on the table this season.
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Raspberry Chipotle Chicken Wings Sticky, smoky, and just the right amount of sweet heat, these wings are made for game day. |
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Everything goes on one pan, and everyone gets to dig in. Finish with New Canaan Farms salsa and Sweet & Hot Jalapeños for the ultimate flavor upgrade. |
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Pineapple Margarita with Citrus Jalapeño Rim Every good game day gathering needs something to sip on. This one brings a little sweet, a little spicy and a rim of New Canaan Farms Citrus Jalapeño Salt to the glass. |
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New Canaan Farms Grazing Board For the grazers who'd rather snack their way through the game, build a board with a mix of cheeses, meats, crackers, fresh fruit and a few New Canaan Farms favorites. |
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Caramelized Onion & Garlic Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese Toasted baguette, creamy whipped goat cheese, a ribbon of prosciutto and a spoonful of New Canaan Farms Caramelized Onion & Garlic Jam. |
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Creamy, sweet and spicy, this dip is about as easy as game-day appetizers get. Serve it with plenty of crackers and watch it disappear before you even make it back to the couch. |
Flavors to Bring for the Hostess
Heading to someone else's game day gathering? Don't show up empty-handed. A jar from New Canaan Farms makes an easy gift and gives the host something they can put right on the table.
- Fredericksburg Peach Jam. Pair with a wedge of brie and a small box of good crackers. Add a jar of honey if you want to round it out into a full cheese-and-jam pairing.
- Hatch Green Chile Mustard. Pair with a bag of pretzels or a few good sausages if you're bringing it fresh. A small cutting board makes it feel like a set rather than a condiment.
- Black Olive Tapenade. Pair with a baguette and a soft cheese like goat or brie. A small jar of good olive oil alongside makes it feel like a little Mediterranean spread kit.
- Three Cheese Artichoke Dip. Pair with a bag of sturdy crackers or a bagged baguette, plus a few fresh veggies if you want it to double as a dip platter starter.
- Pepper Bacon Jam. Pair with a wedge of sharp cheddar and crackers, or a small bag of pretzel buns if you know they'll be grilling.
- Black Bean & Corn Salsa. Pair with a bag of good tortilla chips and a lime or two. A small avocado on top turns it into a five-minute guac kit.
Come for the Game. Stay for the Gathering.
There will always be another game. Another Saturday. Another Sunday afternoon. But there's something special about gathering everyone together, putting good food on the table and giving people a reason to stay awhile.
So this football season, don't worry too much about creating the perfect tailgate. Build the board. Bring the wings. Open a jar of something good. Pass the plate around. Because game day starts at the table.