Probably the last of the 2:30 games on our schedule this week. In case you didn’t hear, next week’s home game against Northwestern is at 11 am. I’m having some special guests in town for that game otherwise I would be rather chippy about the early start. It’s been a rough season no doubt but I’m still a HUSKER fan! Always will be.
Since this week would involve homegating, I’m thinking comfort food is the way to go. And since it’s still way too warm to need a jacket lately, that grill is still the best solution. Borrowing a new recipe from a dear friend, Dennis Sayles, to share with you. It’s a Smoked macaroni and cheese! As in time for the CORNHUSKERS to start smoking the competition.
Macaroni and cheese (photo Kelli Anne)
16 oz. box of elbow macaroni
2 Cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 can Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup
8 oz milk
10 ounces cooked bacon
8-16 ounces cooked diced ham
1/2 block of Velveeta Cheese, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
2-4 ounces sliced jalapenos (optional)
Spray your aluminum foil steam pan, the half size one, with a non-stick spray to avoid a brutal sticky pan mess. Boil the macaroni 7-10 minutes until rubbery. Drain in a colander and rinse with COLD water. In that same pot, mix together the soup, milk, bacon and ham until thoroughly mixed. Drop in the Velveeta chunks and let them partially dissolve over a low heat. They don’t have to completely dissolve. Mix in the macaroni and pour into the foil pan. Top the macaroni with the 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Place in a pre-heated smoker and let it warm for about an hour and 15 minutes but not more than 90 at 240 degrees. Hickory wood seems to be the best. You know it’s done when the cheese darkens. ENJOY!
Wisconsin’s finest cheese hand delivered by the Gunderson family (photo Kelli Anne)
Speaking of cheese… I had some special guests in from Wisconsin last week and they brought some CHEESY goodness with them to our tailgate. Look at the great presentation! The little signs are easy to make and will help your guests know what they are eating. My favorites were the Manchego and artichoke and the Muenster cranberry. A Big Red shout out to my converted Husker fans, the Gunderson family!
Husker converts from Wisconsin, Makala, Michele, Kevin (back row) Paris, Kelli Anne and Logun
As for what to pair with the mac n cheese, I’m going to make peanut butter sandwiches and cut into quarters to serve. It worked for the school lunch, it still works now. I know I usually include a jello shot or a drink recipe but I’m not feeling it this week Cornhusker fans. I’ll come up with something purple for next week instead.
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The Husker football team is not giving up and I still expect we will be planning a bowl game tailgate. De’Mornay is anxious to get more playing time. Injuries are still killing us but Banderas practiced this week and I’m thinking it’s time for a rebound. Regardless, I’m going to cheer and keep positive. Negativity doesn’t do anyone any good. Be gracious fans, gracious hosts and gracious guests. In the meantime, GO BIG RED!