tailgate snacks for football season

hello, weekend! make that Labor Day weekend where we stretch into monday for one more day of loafing around. Labor Day is set aside to pay tribute to all the hardworking men and women so taking it easy is a requirement. i, for one, will be scoping the sales and binge-watching Ted Lasso from the comfort of my couch. okay, maybe i’ll throw a hamburger on the grill, but that’s about as much effort that will be exerted come monday. guess what else is on the agenda this weekend? since i live in a college town, life revolves around football season. it’s a religion in this neck of the woods. SEC football is akin to pro-football. no joke! tomorrow Georgia squares off against Clemson to kick off the season. Go Dawgs! get excited, gang; it’s time for tailgate snacks for football season. it has begun. even if you don’t like football, i know you like snacks. and i rounded up a few healthy recipes.

well, fall has officially arrived in my book. Memorial Day ushers in summer, and Labor Day bids adieu. it’s time to bring on the pumpkins, mums, apples, and a palette of gorgeous fall colors. who doesn’t love this time of year?! this weekend, i’ll head to my basement and scour through my decorations for all things fall. every season the house is spruced up, and the decor refreshed. stay tuned for future posts.

leggings | tee | sweatshirt | sneakers

tailgate snacks for football season

this time of year lots of time is devoted to watching t.v. thanks to football. whether you’re cheering your favorite college team or pro football team onto victory, it’s just plain fun! and it’s nice to have a few tailgate snacks on hand for football season. today, it’s all about finger food that’s perfect to have on hand for your guests. Chili Lime Popcorn and Tequila Lime Shrimp. 

how cute is this comfy outfit that starts with leopard print leggings from Talbots?! come winter, an oversized black or gray sweater will be the perfect companion. but since the weather is still warm, i opted for a lightweight bateau neck tee and zip-front sweatshirt. add a pair of sneakers, and i’m ready for oscar’s walk. but i guarantee this outfit will spend oodles of time on the couch.

Chili Lime Popcorn

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• Author: Beth Djalali

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Ingredients

•  4 quarts freshly popped popcorn
•  1/3 cup (5 1/3 tablespoons) butter, melted
•  2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice, from about 1-2 limes
•  1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
•  1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•  1/2 teaspoon salt
•  1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•  3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil, silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Put the popped popcorn in a large, clean paper bag. In a small bowl whisk together the butter and lime juice. In another small bowl combine the lime zest, black pepper, salt, red pepper, and cumin.
3. Drizzle half of the butter mixture over the popcorn, fold over or close the top of the bag, and shake until the popcorn is coated and moist. Taste. Add more of the butter mixture if you like, and give a second shake. Sprinkle most of the pepper mixture over the popcorn, fold over or close the top of the bag, and shake a few times to coat. Taste, and if you’d like more pepper flavor add the rest of it. Toss to combine.
4. Zest lime over the top.
5. Spread the popcorn evenly over the baking sheet and bake until the popcorn is dry, 5-7 minutes. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

set up a beverage station so guests can serve themselves.

Salty Dog

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• Author: Beth Djalali

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Ingredients

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• 2 ounces vodka
• 4 ounces freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
• 1 lime wedge
• Zest of 1 ruby red grapefruit
• ¼ cup salt
• Ice
• Grapefruit wedge or lime wheel for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a shallow plate combine the salt and ruby red grapefruit zest. Using the lime wedge, rub it around the rim of a rock’s glass. Immediately dip the moistened rim into the salt mixture. Set aside.
2. In a stainless steel cocktail shaker filled with ice combine the vodka and ruby red grapefruit juice. Shake until the shaker becomes cold and frosty.
3. Fill the prepared rocks glass with ice and pour the vodka mixture into the glass. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or lime wheel. Serve immediately.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp

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• Author: Beth Djalali
• Total Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup green onions
• 2 tbsp cilantro
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
• 1/4 cup tequila
•  1 tsp lime peel

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Instructions

• In medium bowl combine all ingredients except shrimp; mix well. Add shrimp and stir to coat. Cover and marinate up to 8 hours in refrigerator.
• Spray broiler pan with nonstick spray. Drain shrimp, discarding marinade. Place shrimp on broiler pan. Broils four inches from heat for five to seven minutes or until shrimp turns pink turning once.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

having snacks on hand allow your guests to graze all day long.

leggings | tee | sweatshirt | sneakers

oscar and i wish you a lovely Labor Day weekend!

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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