HOUSTON – Break out your brackets - basketball will be the sport to watch next week as college basketball fever tips off! Are you ready for your game-day party??
If you’re planning on cheering on your team with a crowd – we know one person that has got your watch party menu covered.
Tim Laird, America’s CEO, that’s chief entertaining officer, is back in Studio B with his game day menu.
Watch as Tim shows Derrick and Lauren how to shake up a Buzzer Beater Cocktail, and a Slam Dunk Dessert Station.
Buzzer Beater Cocktail
Makes: 1 cocktail
In a rocks glass with ice, add:
1½ ounces TX Blended Whiskey
3 ounces ginger beer
Splash of cranberry juice
Stir and garnish with a gooseberry or lemon twist.
For an alcohol-free cocktail, simply omit the TX Blended Whiskey.
Bacon and Pecan Pimento Cheese Ball
Makes: 3 cups
12 ounces grated sharp yellow cheddar (3 cups)
12 ounces grated extra sharp white cheddar (3 cups)
1 cup mayonnaise, such as Duke’s
1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
¼ cup toasted pecan pieces
½ cup cooked and diced bacon (about 8 strips)
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
Pinch cayenne pepper
Pinch celery seed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Balsamic glaze, optional, for garnish
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cheddar, white cheddar, mayonnaise, pimentos, pecans, bacon, mustard, cayenne pepper, and celery seed. For a smoother mixture, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. When the mixture is completely combined, taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To serve: Form into the shape of a basketball or press into a pie plate and draw the basketball lines with balsamic glaze. Serve with round crackers.
Note: To toast pecans at home, preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until the nuts begin to brown and become fragrant.
Reprinted with permission from The Bourbon Country Cookbook by David Danielson and Tim Laird, Agate Surrey, 2018.
Bourbon Honey Mustard with Pretzel Bites
Add 1 tablespoon TX Bourbon to 1 cup honey mustard, stir to combine. Serve with your favorite pretzels.
3-Point Meatballs
Buy your favorite meatballs (pork, beef, turkey or vegetarian) and serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as:
- Marinara
- BBQ
- Buffalo hot sauce
- Teriyaki
- Sweet and Sour
- Honey Mustard
- Blue Cheese Dressing
Note: Meatballs can be found pre-made and pre-cooked in the freezer section of your grocery store.
Slam Dunk Desserts
Buy frozen cream puffs and serve with chocolate, strawberry and caramel dipping sauces.
Connect with Laird online at @TimLairdCheers.