Football Parties at Home

By Chef Julie Culpepper

Don't put away the grill just yet! Fall and football go hand-in-hand along with tailgating parties celebrating your favorite team. Here's a good idea adapted from Pillsbury's "foil pack cheesy fries" to try on your grill that works well for serving to your group with little mess and clean up. These could also be done in your oven if you get caught in the rain. You can add anything you like to your fries but I chose a BBQ theme because it is always a crowd pleaser for all ages. This recipe serves enough for 4 and should be served on a paper plate or bowl to avoid burns or spills.

Football Fries

1 bag frozen crinkle cut extra crispy French fries

2 Tablespoons olive oil ( I used butter flavored)

4 Tablespoons chopped green onion

2 cups grated cheese (I used cheddar hoop cheese)

1 cup prepared Cole slaw

2 cups shredded BBQ meat mixed with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Can add other garnishes such as bacon bits, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, ketchup and mustard

4 12-inch pieces of foil folded and crimped into square boats with raised sides

Heat your grill to medium high heat about 400-425 degrees. Toss your fries in a large bowl with olive oil and divide evenly in a single layer among your 4 foil boats. Place onto your grill and cook for 15 minutes. Turn them over and cook an additional 10 minutes til hot and crispy. Spoon the BBQ meat among the four boats and top evenly with the grated cheese. Cook for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the boats from the grill and top with the Cole slaw and onions. Garnish to your taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!