Tailgating Fun

On a much less serious topic than yesterday, we tailgated for all of the great football games yesterday.  No trips to the big game, but instead a relaxing weekend at home.  I enjoyed my time in the kitchen preparing snacks for the game.  The smell of fall filled my home as I prepared sliced apples and caramel dip, Pumpkin Crisp, boiled peanuts, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Pigs in a Blanket,  and the Now Famous Cheese Ring.  I just love the sent of cinnamon, pumpkin and pecans.  Let's just say the football was not the highlight of the evening.  Enjoy the recipes!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

4 chicken breast, cooked and chopped
1 bottle Franks Red Hot Sauce
1 block cream cheese
1 jar Naturally Fresh Ranch Dressing or Bleu Cheese (I use Bleu Cheese)
2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
Pita chips or Frito Scoops

Combine chicken and hot sauce.  Place in a casserole dish.  Combine cream cheese and dressing.  Pour over chicken mixture.  Top w/grated cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Serve w/pita chips or scoops.

Pumpkin Crisp

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butter, melted
French Vanilla Cool Whip
Nutmeg

Stir together first 5 ingredients.  Pour into a lightly greased 13 x 9 in casserole dish.  Sprinkle cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture.  Top with pecans.  Pour melted butter over the top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until golden brown.  Let sit for 10-20 minutes before serving warm.  Serve with French Vanilla Cool Whip or even French Vanilla Ice Cream.  Sprinkle with nutmeg.