It's a Tailgate Party!!!!! GO BUCKS!

No matter who your favorite college or NFL team may be, there is always reason to have a great tailgate party!  Some history of the infamous tailgate beginnings go all the way back to when the Green Bay Packer fans coined the actual term "tailgating" during the teams first year in business in 1919. Back in the day, the fans would back their pickup trucks around the field and fold down their tailgates for seating. Naturally, food and beverages were brought along to keep the fans happy. 

My favorite cool weather tailgate menus most often include a hug pot of chili, spiced apple cider and anything with Buffalo sauce! So in honor of all those wonderful college games this weekend, including my personal favorite, THE OSU BUCKEYES!  GOOOOO BUCKS! THIS IS FOR YOU!

Buffalo Buckeye Balls (These can be made the night before and put in the fridge and fried before the big game)

• 3 large cans chicken breast drained and pulled apart with a fork 
• 1/4 cup Buffalo sauce (recommended: Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sauce)
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 3/4 cups sharp or mild Cheddar
• 1/4 cup freshly sliced scallions (optional)
• 1 cups flour
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs 
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Have oil heated to 350 degrees F.

Drain chicken from cans and place in a large bowl.  Use fork to pull apart. Add the hot sauce, pepper, cheese, and scallions, mix gently to combine. Roll the chicken into 2-ounce balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in 3 separate bowls. Roll each ball in the flour, then the egg and then the bread crumbs. Set aside. When the oil is hot fry the chicken balls in batches. Cook for about 2 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken to paper towel lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serve with Blue Cheese dressing or Ranch dressing.

ENJOY!!

Tell me about your favorite Tailgate experience or food!