Roasted salsa levels up game-day classic
The new year signals the final playoff push — and the impending arrival of the big game. Everyone has their favorite game-day foods, like pizza, Buffalo chicken dip and sliders — and those are all great options — but in my house, we like to fire up the grill. After all, it’s go big or go home, right? Chili-spiced grilled chicken wings, carne asada and roasted salsa are a few of my game day go-tos, but really, there’s no right or wrong spread as long as you have good food and good friends. Today, I’m giving you a peek inside my playbook so your spread is clutch.
Mise en Place
The best way to do any party or gathering correctly is to focus on mise en place, which means everything in place. Prepping as much as possible ahead of time makes game day a breeze. Any marinades, sauces or drink mixes you’re planning on making can be done ahead of time. Plus, preparing them a day or two ahead will help ensure their flavors develop.
Marinades: A marinade is used to infuse flavor into meat ahead of cooking. Generally, carne asada is marinated flank steak with lime juice and spices. Marinating overnight is the best way to ensure the deepest flavor.
Salsa: Salsa is best done the day before. As it sits overnight, the ingredients have time to marry completely and develop a great flavor.
Cocktail mix: Pre-mixing cocktail ingredients is mostly fine, but don’t add the spirits until right before serving them. Completely mixing them ahead of time may cause them to lose some of their brightness.
Timing
Keeping everything warm till kickoff can prove to be a bit of a challenge sometimes, but it doesn’t need to be.
In general, everything can stay warm in an oven set to low heat (150 degrees). Anything higher will continue to cook the food though, so be sure to keep it low.
Cook the steaks last, as you don’t want them to overcook or turn gray.
You’ve got the basics, now up the ante!
Here are a couple of my favorite dips and sips to liven up your spread:
Grilled or Roasted Salsa:
Grilling the vegetables for salsa adds a nice smoky flavor to this game day classic. Grill all the vegetables until they’re nicely charred, then blend it until you reach your desired consistency.
Roasting your vegetables also imparts a deeper flavor and is perfect for salsa. Try this roasted salsa verde — it’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ancho Reyes: This spirit made from Ancho chile makes a really great margarita. Mix with lime juice, simple syrup and tequila and you have a fantastic game day drink for your guests.