Food & Party Planning Ideas

Tailgating

Pack up the car with some fun, food and spirit and head over to the parking lot. You've guessed it – it's time for tailgating! No matter if you are young or old, everybody can enjoy this great American past time, everybody is friendly, and all are there to join in the fun, food and football festivities. It's family, friends and fans – a total game experience! The most important part of the day, other than the game, is eating. Here are a few ideas to get the party started right!

SNACKS!

For all you sports fans that love to munch on dips try shaping them using Wilton First and Ten Football Pan. Not only will this be the hit of the tailgate party, but it can also be used for other events such as a superbowl party or a birthday party.

Other great ideas that you can use the pan to shape:

Mousses
Paté
Spreads
Molded salads
Breads
Gelatins
The original use – a cake!

The possibilities are endless; all you need is a little imagination.

MAIN FARE!

Tailgating bring to mind grilling – so burgers, dogs and brats it is! This is the easiest way for you to join in the festivities too. To make things even easier on you, just stop off at the grocery deli and pick up some salads – like coleslaw, macaroni salad, pasta salad or America's favorite – potato salad!

FOR DESSERT!

For most people, this is usually as important as the main meal. Because you are not in the kitchen it's easiest to bring finger desserts. Things like cereal crispy treats, cookies or cupcakes make for fast and easy sweets. Try using any of the Wilton products like our Cookie Sheets and Pans to make your favorite cookies. We will end this festive occasion right.

Try this recipe:

Bird's Nest Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, separated
1 large egg yolk
11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts, chopped
Chocolate kisses for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Combine flour and salt
3. In large bowl, cream the vegetable shortening and sugar. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
4. In shallow bowl, beat the egg white until frothy. Spread the walnuts on wax paper
5. Break off 1-inch pieces of dough and roll into balls. Dip the balls in the egg white to coat, then roll in the walnuts and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet.
6. With finger, make a small depression in center of each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly colored.
7. Press an upside down chocolate kiss into the center of each hot cookie, and transfer to wire rack to cool.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, separated
1 large egg yolk
11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts, chopped
Chocolate kisses for garnish

WHAT DO TEDDY BEARS HAVE TO DO WITH FOOTBALL?

This year's special yearbook section is all about Teddy Bears! There's nothing cuter than a teddy cake! These lovable, cuddly creatures have a special appeal to boys and girls of all ages – babies, kids, teens and adults all love'em! We've filled our album with 18 different bear cakes, each commorative a special event. So why not create a bear with colors of your favorite team take a picture of it and enter it into our contest. In January the teddy bear of the month is a Sports Bear. There are a few molds to choose from – our Teddy Bear With mold, Huggable Teddy Bear or the Stand-up Bear. Just be creative!

You could be the lucky winner of any of our amazing prizes including our Grand Prize of a 2 week all expenses paid trip to attend the world-famous Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts in Darien, Illinois. Includes airfare, transportation to/from airports, hotel, meals, Wilton School Master Course tuition and supplies.