Introduction

Hi readers – Carrie here… I’m thrilled to introduce to you a new series today: In The Kitchen with Bella. We’ve partnered with our friend Bella Bucchiotti to bring you semi-monthly cooking and entertaining ideas. Bella’s original recipes for Wear + Where + Well are sure to be delicious, colorful, and healthy. Well, maybe not all of those things at once, but at least two of the three! 😉

At only 18 years old, Bella is a beautiful budding ball of energy. You’ll love getting to know her as she shares her contagious enthusiasm and wonderful ideas here. Plus, be sure to check out her site, where she shares daily food and fashion content.

Now, help me welcome Bella to Wear + Where + Well… 

3 Easy Recipes for the Best Tailgating Party

Written by Bella Bucchioti

Can you believe it’s September? So many wonderful things come with the change of seasons, one of which is the arrival of football season. So, our minds are on game day recipes and all those tasty tailgate treats.

Everyone has his or her favorite game day snacks, but here are three new easy ones to try this season. Give them a try, and make sure that your game day measures up.

Spicy Ranch Chex Mix

Kick off your tailgate party with a Spicy Ranch Chex Mix that will keep them coming back for more. This recipe is an extra tasty and spicy twist on a party mix tradition. Make the Spicy Ranch Chex Mix the day before and store in an airtight container.

Don’t be afraid to make a batch with more hot sauce to satisfy the daredevils in your group. We know Carrie likes it extra spicy, so that’s how we made this batch for her!

Ingredients

• 10 cups Rice Chex
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup hot sauce, depending on desired spiciness
• 2 cups pretzel sticks
• 2 cups cheese cracker squares
• 1 cup unsalted peanuts

Ranch Mix:

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

1. Add the cereal to a large, microwave safe bowl and then set aside.
2. Add the Ranch Mix ingredients to a small bowl, stir and then set aside.
3. In another small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in the hot sauce and the Ranch Mix.
4. Pour over the cereal. Stir until well coated.
5. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and then add the pretzels, cheese cracker squares, and peanuts. Stir to combine.
6. Spread mixture on parchment paper to cool.

Sweet Pepper Poppers

These Sweet Pepper Poppers are a big time crowd pleaser! They are a scrumptious twist on a jalapeno popper. If you are trying to make lighter recipes, you can use light cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese in these Sweet Pepper Poppers. Make sure that the bacon is crispy and maybe make a bit extra to sprinkle on top of these before serving.  You can prepare them ahead of time and just broil before serving, making them a great game day half time snack!

Ingredients

• 8 mini sweet peppers,
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1teaspoon white onion, minced
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sweet chili pepper sauce (optional)
• Balsamic reduction (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat broiler with oven rack in center position.
2. Slice sweet peppers in half lengthwise and then seed.
3. Cover a baking sheet with foil, parchment paper or Silpat and then arrange prepared sweet peppers on top.
4. In a medium sized bowl stir together goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic and onion until smooth.
5. Add bacon then stir to combine.
6. Fill pepper halves to the top with the cheese mixture and smooth top with a spoon.
7. Broil for 4 to 5 minutes watching very carefully to avoid burning.
8. Serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping or drizzle with a balsamic reduction.

Melon, Prosciutto, and Bocconcini Skewers

A tailgating party should have some fresh, healthier options, and these Melon, Proscuitto and Bocconcini Skewers are a must try! These skewers are an appetizer that is so easy to make, but tastes insanely good! You can substitute peaches for the melon and cube mozzarella if you can’t find bocconcini.

Ingredients

• 1 cantaloupe, cut into 20 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 lb prosciutto, sliced thin
• 20 small bocconcini (fresh mozzarella balls)
• Parsley or basil, coarsely chopped (optional)
• Balsamic reduction (optional)

Directions

1. Place prosciutto, bocconcini and melon cubes onto a skewer.
2. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil. Alternately, if desired, they can also be drizzled with a balsamic reduction.

Draper James Tailgate Tabletop Supplies

Now that you have your food tasting good, be sure it looks good with these Draper James tailgating essentials! These entertaining pieces will have you game day ready in the cutest style. We love the classic charm they bring to any football party.

Browse our favorites here:

Closing

So, are you a football fan? If so, do you prefer college or professional football? We love it all!

Finally, leave us a comment. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this new series, these new ideas, and anything else that’s on your mind! Thanks so much.