Though I’m barely home for this weekend between work trips, I am so excited about this tailgate menu! I don’t think Georgia has ever played Kent State. I, for sure, have never cooked for that matchup, so I’ve been around the world deciding how to theme this menu. I love the flavors of Cincinnati chili. Realizing it shares the same magic spices as Nu Way in Macon, GA has been a win all around, and I can’t wait to make a pot later in the season.

My research taught me that clam bakes are popular in northeast Ohio along the shores of Lake Erie and that also seemed like a fun possibility….. A former resident of the area told me that fried fish fingers make for fun local party food….

Any of these could be great fun, but when I realized this week’s game would come with a noon kickoff again, I reached for some intriguing brunch recipes I’ve had tucked away. And my friend Gina Yeager-Buckley and I spent some time brainstorming fun kabob ideas that should get you started on your own playful skewers. So here’s what’s cooking while the Dawgs take the field:

I’m offering you some links to what makes a Monte Cristo – and an excellent recipe for a Bloody Mary Grilled Cheese that is actually more like a Monte Cristo than a grilled cheese. The difference is soaking the bread in the egg and tomato juice custard – like French toast. You can fill it with traditional ham and Swiss, or you could use pimento cheese and bacon, or whatever strikes your fancy. Just decorate it with your favorite Bloody Mary garnishes and enjoy!

To go with the sandwich, I have two fun kabob ideas for you: Tater Tots and Doughnut Holes! I’m going to do a savory skewer of tots and little smokies and another with glazed doughnut holes popped on the grill. Each one will get their own dipping sauce – red and black berries for the doughnut holes and a Cincinnati Chili Spiced Ketchup for the tots! I’m going to be making up the ketchup as I go, so get back to me for the actual ingredients, but basically I’m going to jazz up ketchup with chili powder, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, paprika, and a little cocoa to give it a nod to that chili I’m not making this week. If you want to go full-on chili cheese dip Cincinnati style this week, try this.

And, finally, to fill out all of the brunch beverage options in our food, here is a recipe for a Mimosa Fruit Salad that uses champagne and orange juice in the dressing. Why not? It’s the weekend!

If this week’s game goes like I expect it, there won’t be much excitement on the field, but this is an epic tailgate menu that will make this game go down in history!

Hope you have a great weekend. Go Dawgs!