Fall is my favorite time of the year. Especially living in Texas, it’s so nice when the cool weather starts to give you a break from the heat. From Halloween to Thanksgiving, Fall is the time for parties, friends, family, and FOOD! To kick off this festive time of year, football definitely gets the party started.

I love football food! Chips, dips, hamburgers, and hotdogs are just a few things that make Saturday afternoons a joy. This past weekend was a pretty big game for all of us Okies and Texans. The Red River Shootout (OU vs. TX to be exact) didn’t turn out the way my household wanted it to, but we still had tons of food and fun.

My husband was in charge of the grill and I was in charge of the dips. Give our creations a try at your next football party! They are DELISH!

*Disclaimer: I only measure ingredients if I’m going off of a recipe! Use your taste buds when seasoning these dishes!

The Classic Caliente (Salsa Traditional) (Keep all the seeds in the peppers intact to enjoy some killer spice)

Spicy Southwest Guacamole (Double the recipe according to the size of your party)

Game Day Queso

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Small Yellow Onion Diced
• 2 Garlic Cloves Minced
• 3 Links Mild Italian Sausage (casings removed)
• 1 Can (10 oz) Original Rotel (undrained)
• 1lb (16 0z) Velveeta Cheese (large block)

Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium high heat. Saute the onions until softened then add the garlic and sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned.

Reduce the heat to medium low. Cut the cheese into small chunks, add to the sausage along with the Rotel. Cook on low until the cheese is melted. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the bottom.

Scoop a small amount into a serving bowl, keeping the rest warm in the dutch oven. ENJOY!

Southwest Bison Burgers

• 1 lb of Ground Bison
• 1 Egg
• A Pinch of Salt & Pepper (use sparingly)
• A Pinch of BBQ Seasoning (anything will work)
• A Splash of Worcestershire Sauce
• A Small Pinch of Garlic Powder
• Kaiser Rolls
• Pepperjack Cheese

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Keep in mind that less is more with the seasonings. You don’t want to take away from the delicious taste of the bison. Form your patties according to the size of your bun. Remember, these will shrink up a bit while grilling.

Before firing up the grill, spray grill with Pam or Olive Oil spray, then heat to 300 degrees. Cook burgers for 3-4 min a side until medium rare to medium. DO NOT be afraid to eat medium rare- this is how bison meat should be eaten.

 

Top off your burgers with some Pepperjack cheese and your favorite toppings. (I personally like to add a little guacamole to my burgers!)

 

Muse is a rock band from England that has been making music since they formed in 1994. Their most recent increase in exposure can be accredited to their popular song, Super Massive Black Hole, that appeared on last year’s Twilight Soundtrack. My husband first introduced me to Muse back in 2003 but this has quickly become one of my favorite songs.  Turn it on full blast while your preparing your football menu. It will be sure to pump you up.