March has arrived and that means it’s time to enjoy some March Madness hoops, one of the most exciting three weeks in sports. Have you completed your tournament bracket yet? What about a viewing party? If you plan on hosting a gathering with friends and family to watch your favorite teams and need some ideas on what to serve, don’t sweat it, we have you covered like a full-court press. The following recipes will make sure you come up clutch during crunch time.
Honey and Ale Pulled Chicken Sliders
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)
- ¾ cup brown ale
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 12 slider buns
- Optional: sweet pickles and additional sriracha sauce
1. In a 3 or 4-quart slow cooker, combine the first 8 ingredients. Add chicken and ale, toss to coat. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 6-8 hours. Remove meat; when cool enough to handle, shred with 2 forks.
2. Strain cooking juices; skim fat. Transfer juices to small saucepan; bring to a boil. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into saucepan. Return to boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add chicken to the sauce; toss to coat. Serve on buns. If desired, add pickles and additional sriracha sauce.
Honey Garlic Meatballs
Who doesn’t love a good meatball? They also resemble the shape of a basketball. This recipe will elevate the game.
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup of milk
- 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely-chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
1. In a large bowl, combine eggs and milk. Add the breadcrumbs, onion and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on greased racks in shallow baking pans. Bake, uncovered, at 400 F for 12-15 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, sauté garlic in butter until tender. Stir in the ketchup, honey and soy sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain meatballs, add to sauce and carefully stir to evenly coat. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
Puppy Chow
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 cups Corn or Rice Chex
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips on high for 30 seconds. Stir; microwave until the chips are melted, about 30 seconds longer. Stir in peanut butter. Gently stir in cereal until well coated; set aside.
2. Place confectioners’ sugar in a large airtight container. Add cereal mixture and shake until well coated. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
By Maurice J. Frazier
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