We’re not talking about a traditional game night hangout of Euchre here. Invite the group over for great finger food and some very heated competition.
The big trend these days is staying in with a few frends and going head-to-head in XBOX 360, Euchre, Wii…or whatever game you guys are into. Keep the atmosphere casual, and serve simple comfort foods that are easy to eat. You might want to offer up a little wager to make things interesting for a real Game Night.
Caramelized Onion Dip With Potato Chips
Try to refrain from licking the bowl clean in front of your guests.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, very thinly sliced
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 scallion, green part only, thinly sliced
Kettle-style potato chips or veggies
Sauté onion slices in oil on medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until they begin to brown. Stir in ¼ cup water, and scrape up brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Turn heat to low, and cook 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown. If pan looks too dry at any point, add a tablespoon of water. Let cool. In a medium bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat until smooth. Stir in reserved onions and scallions. Chill until serving time. Serve with potato chips or veggies.
Sweet-and-Sour Drumettes
They’re much easier to eat than wings, but still have some wipes on hand for sticky fingers.
2 pounds chicken drumettes (ask your butcher to cut them for you)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup French dressing
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan), about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer drumettes to a baking dish. Then combine butter, barbecue sauce, dressing, vinegar, and hot sauce. Microwave until butter is melted. Stir. Pour sauce over chicken, and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
Cheeseburger Sliders
These miniburgers go fast. You may want to double the recipe for a hungry group!
1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 slices American cheese, cut into quarters
8 slider-size hamburger buns
Special sauce:
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup ketchup
2 teaspoons sweet-pickle relish
Toppings:
Lettuce
Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
Preheat grill pan over medium-high heat. In a bowl, combine beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Shape meat into eight small patties of equal size. Cook burgers about 2 minutes, flip, and top with cheese. Cook about 2 more minutes. Put burgers on buns, and top with special sauce, lettuce, and tomatoes.
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