We caught up with lifelong football fan and former Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park chef Mike Gronczewski on a search to find a few recipes Mountain Hawks fans can enjoy at Rivalry 160.
Gronczewski, Lehigh Catering’s executive chef, put together a trio of tasty tailgate treats that are easy to make and transport for game day. Whether your tailgate is at Goodman Stadium or one of our telecast events, these flexible recipes offer something for everyone.
Serves 6
Chef says: “This dish is always a crowd pleaser on game day. Your guests will have an easy time eating this in one hand and having a cold beverage in the other!”
Ingredients
- Waffle Mix — 12 oz.
- Frozen Chicken Tenders — 12 pieces
- Honey — 8 oz.
- Sriracha — 4 oz.
- Shredded Carrot — 6 oz.
- Celery Leaves — 6 oz.
Preparation
A double waffle bowl maker is available and affordable through your favorite online retailer. Distribute 2 ounces of waffle batter in each waffle bowl compartment. Cook as instructed from waffle maker manual.
Chef Gronczewski recommends cooking store-bought chicken tenders in an air fryer for maximum crispiness, but a standard oven will do the job. Cut the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces.
Place the prepared waffle bowls on a sheet pan and put a few pieces of chicken in each. Mix honey and sriracha and drizzle over the chicken tenders.
Pick the leaves from celery stalks and mix with shredded carrots. Top each bowl with a few ounces of the carrot and celery mix and serve.
All components can be substituted to fit dietary and allergy restrictions.
Serves 6
Chef says: “These tots aren’t just packed full of flavor; they are packed full of protein as well. Your folks with plant-based diets will appreciate the option on game day.”
Ingredients
- Frozen Tater Tots — 6 cups
- Vegan Chili — 24 oz.
- Tofu — 10 oz.
- Cooking Oil — 3 oz.
- Montreal Chicken Seasoning (vegan product) — 1 tbsp.
- Green Onion — 8 oz.
Preparation
Lay tater tots on a sheet pan and bake as directed on packaging.
Place oil in a preheated frying pan on medium heat. Scramble tofu in a frying pan and season with Montreal Chicken seasoning.
Chef Gronczewski recommends using Hormel vegan chili, or you can use your family’s favorite recipe — there are tons online to try as well! Bring the chili to a simmer in a saucepan.
Place one cup of prepared tater tots in a 10 oz. disposable heat-safe cup, top with 4 oz. of chili, place 2 oz. of scrambled tofu on top, and finish with a few ounces of green onions.
Serves 12
Chef says: “This sweet and savory treat is the perfect game day dessert. You can prepare dozens of them the day before, and you can easily get the family involved.”
Ingredients
- Baking Chocolate Bar (do not use chocolate chips) — 12 oz.
- Heavy Cream — 12 oz.
- White Sprinkles
- One Bag of Pretzel Rods (any brand)
Preparation
You will need a cheese grater, saucepan, and stainless-steel bowl to start. Place the heavy cream in a saucepan on medium heat. Do not bring to a boil.
Use the cheese grater to crumble the chocolate. Chef Gronczewski recommends using kitchen-safe gloves because the heat from your hands will cause the chocolate to melt.
Place the chocolate in a stainless-steel bowl and slowly stir in the warm cream until you have a smooth, silky, and shiny look. Pour the chocolate ganache into a deep vessel so you can dip the pretzel rods deep enough to coat them halfway. Cover with sprinkles and move the pretzels to a baking rack that can be placed in the refrigerator to set. Chef recommends serving these blooming out of a medium-sized mason jar.
