MGoMenu Planning

Unlike basketball, where every game calls for subs, football menu planning depends more upon the opponent. Sometimes it's obvious: buffalo burgers when we played Colorado, or rice those two times we played, well, Rice. Michigan State clearly calls for cherries jubilee or bananas foster. But what for ND?

 

Appetizers: Bacon-wrapped Fig Things.

Wrap each fig in half a piece (cut lengthwise) of thin bacon, trying to cover as much of the fig/overlap as little as possible. Heat on the stove or in the broiler, turning as needed to brown each side of bacon. Set on layers of paper towel to blot excess fat, and serve hot.

 

Entree: Chicken, of course

The correct preparation for the game is roasted chicken, but I prefer to grill instead. With a gas grill, preheat on high, or start a two-zone charcoal grill. Pat boneless skinless chicken breast dry, brush with oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for 16 minutes, flipping every four minutes. Eight minutes on high, eight minutes on medium results in a nicely seared and delicious, juicy breast. Add barbecue sauce for the last four minutes to let it carmelize.

 

Side: Maize/corn

Although much of the meal is dedicated to taunting the opponent, Michigan must be praised as well. Delicious sweet maize is the way to do this. Put it on the grill with the chicken, or boil it gently: just 4 or 5 minutes into already boiling water is perfect for me, leaving nice texture and taste.

 

Drink: Rudy Beverage Sports Drink Michigan wine

With Rudy's financial fraud uncovered by the SEC, Rudy Beverage's sports drinks are no longer available. Instead, go for a nice Michigan white wine. Maybe one from 1998 if you've got an Old '98 in the cellar.

 

Make it memorable: Purple Coach bag

Looking for the perfect way to make the meal memorable? Have some money to burn, or live in New York or other great black-market areas? Use a purple Coach bag to serve the bacon-wrapped Fig Things.