Kid-friendly tailgating recipes

Chicken pineapple kabobs

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (15-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 16 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Meanwhile, place chicken and pineapple chunks in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of reserved pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce and oil. Pour honey mixture over chicken mixture and toss to coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers and brush with any remaining marinade.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Cook's note: You can also grill these if you have a portable grill or your tailgating venue has a grill.

5-Layer bean dip

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can vegetarian refried beans
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black olives, chopped or sliced
• 1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
• 4 to 5 large green onions, chopped (green and white parts)

Directions

• Warm beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Spray an 11x7-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread beans on the bottom.
• Continue to layer with tomatoes, olives, cheese, onions and serve.

Cheesy fruit quesadillas

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 small apples, cored, halved, thinly sliced
• Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
• 4 (10-inch) whole wheat tortillas
• 2-1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cook, stirring often, until apples are tender.
2. Transfer apples to a large plate. Clean out the skillet and place over medium heat. Spray generously with cooking spray.
3. Fill tortillas with apple slices and shredded cheese, folding each one over to make semi-circles.
4. Place two quesadillas in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2 minutes or until bottom is lightly browned.
5. Carefully flip quesadillas and cook another 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
6. Transfer to a cutting board and cut each quesadilla into four wedges. Repeat with remaining quesadillas and serve warm.

More tailgating tips and recipes

• Terrific tailgating tips
• Top tips to tailgate in your SUV or truck
• Tailgating recipes