Recipes for a winning tailgate September 22 2016

Aside from our own shameless plug for Heath's Cheese Straws (which happen to come in three perfectly large sizes for tailgating), we teamed up with our friends at VAIN vanilla extracts, and Mrs. Ruth's Jams to bring you two additional winning recipes.

VAIN makes some seriously incredible vanilla extracts, using high-quality spirits and the best vanilla beans available. So, if you want to take your cooking and baking up a notch, check 'em out!

Mrs. Ruth's Jams is home to artisanal jams using the freshest local produce from North Carolina farmers. All are prepared seasonally, using the best of local fruits. It's love in a jar.

Without further ado, here are the recipes!

vain vanilla shortbread spirit cookies for tailgate

VAIN Shortbread Spirit Cookies

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups salted butter softened (1 pound)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Vain vanilla extract (I used our Uganda Vanilla in Kentucky Bourbon)
  • Fleur de Sel, or sea salt

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream butter and sugar until light colored. Add vanilla.

Sift together the flour and salt. Add to butter mixture.

Mix on low for two minutes. Shape dough into a disk. Chill for 30 minutes.

Roll the dough 1/4 inch thick and cut into desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with colored sugar (of your favorite team!).

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until edges begin to brown.

Mrs. Ruth's Jams Pimento-less Cheese Spread Sandwich Filling

Mrs. Ruth's Jams (from Ruth's dear friend Marilyn) Pimento-less Cheese Spread & Sandwich Filling

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 oz of freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese (creamier if freshly grated)
  • 1/3 cup of your favorite mayonnaise
  • 2 dashes ground cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • ¼ cup Mrs. Ruth’s  Hot Pepper, Peach Jalapeno, Pineapple Jalapeno, or Cranberry Jalapeno Jam

Combine ingredients and mix until blended. Serve on toasted baguettes or fill sliced cherry tomatoes
Sprinkle with bacon crumbles.

Here's to a winning season!

The Ritchies