Creative cuisine tops tailgating

(This cookie recipe can be adapted to suit your fancy or favorite team/Gannett News Service photos)

Tailgating has risen to a new level these days and it is certainly not limited to sporting events.
There's nothing like packing up the cooler and heading to a concert to rendezvous with friends before showtime.
M and I recently did that before the U2 concerts at Giants Stadium. It's a great way to relax and unwind and have a bite to eat and drink before the big show.

Today's Busy Cook in the Poughkeepsie Journal features a story with recipes on tailgating, which has come a long way from simple sandwiches and cans of beer. There are folks who caravan together and set up a fully stocked bar, grills, tents, chairs and tables to make the party in the lot a memorable one.

Here are a couple more recipes from Gannett News Service to make your next tailgating party a feast.

Warm Fingerling Salad with Arugula

1. 4 cups fresh arugula leaves
2. 2/3 cup walnuts, toasted
3. 4 medium garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
4. 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
5. Salt and pepper to taste
6. 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
7. 4 pounds fingerling potatoes

• Rinse and pat dry arugula.
• In food processor, process arugula, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
• Scrub potatoes under cold running water. Cut in half lengthwise.
• Place in a stockpot with 1 teaspoon salt and enough cold water to cover.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Add more olive oil to the arugula mixture if it is too thick.
• While potatoes are still warm, toss with the arugula mixture.

Makes 8 to 12 servings.

Source: Washington State Potato Commission

Cardinal Cookies

1. 3 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
3. 2 sticks unsalted butter (room temperature)
4. 1 cup sugar
5. 1 egg, beaten
6. 1 teaspoon quality vanilla extract
7. Icing in team colors

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a medium mixing bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder and set aside.
• Use the paddle attachment of an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add egg and vanilla and beat for about another minute.
• Add flour in two batches and blend until dough pulls away from sides of the bowl.
• Remove from bowl and knead dough for about 1 minute.
• Wrap dough in plastic and put in fridge for about 30 minutes.
• Roll out dough to about one-eighth-inch thick and cut the desired shape or use your favorite football cookie cutter.
• Bake for about 8 minutes or until golden brown just around the edges.
• Cool on rack and ice with team colors.

Makes 1 to 2 dozen cookies.

Source: House of Cards