Ask A Baltimore Expert: Best Easy Tailgate Food

There is no more appropriate way to enjoy your favorite sport than with the sacred art of tailgating. Enjoying the game, mingling (and occasionally arguing) with other fans and, of course, savoring the food and snacks that are part of the tailgating tradition are all part of the fun. However, if you want to be the all-star of your next tailgating get-together, what better way than to introduce snacks that taste like they were thrown together by a professional chef? And what better way to find such snacks than from a professional chef. These are some easy but savory snacks to bring to the game as recommended by some of Baltimore's finest culinary experts.

Eric Houseknecht
Thames Street Oyster House
1728 Thames St.
Baltimore, Md. 21231
(443) 449-7726
www.thamesstreetoysterhouse.com

Executive Chef Eric Houseknecht is the genius behind one of the most well-regarded seafood menus in Baltimore. In addition to traditional favorites such as the raw oyster bar, lobster claws and calamari, the Thames Street Oyster House also serves up unique dishes designed by Eric himself, such as lobster pot pie, five pound baked stuffed Maine lobster or New England clam and lobster boil. Bringing seafood to your tailgating party is sure to get you some compliments, and here are some surprisingly easy recipes for quick seafood snacks.

Mussels with Portuguese Linguica Sausage

• 2 pounds PEI mussels
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 2 shallots (sliced)
• 1 tomato (diced)
• 1/2 pound Portuguese linguica or Spanish Chorizo
• 10 fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup white wine, OR beer
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper

Directions:

1. Grill sausage. Allow to char well, which will add a lot of flavor to the mussels. Set aside and cool. Once cooled, slice in to 1/4-inch rounds, and set aside.
2. Place a large heavy pot on medium-high heat, add olive oil, garlic, and shallots and sauté until lightly caramelized
3. Add tomatoes and basil, mix together with garlic and shallots.
4. Add mussels, grilled sliced linguica, seasonings and white wine. Cover with lid and cook on high heat for 4 minutes. Remove lid and pour into serving dish.

Fresh-shucked oysters with an assortment of sauces

Cocktail Sauce 

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp horseradish
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Old Bay

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients and mix well.

Watermelon Mignonette

• 1 cup small diced watermelon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup champagne vinegar

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients and mix well.
2. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving.

Related: Rules Of The Road: The 10 Commandments Of Tailgating In Baltimore

Beth Andresini
Thyme For You
645 Coventry Road
Towson, MD 21286
(410) 337-8963
www.thymeforyou.com

Thyme For You is a unique service. Contact the company and hire your own personal chef. Professionals like Beth Andresini will happily come out to your home and cook up a meal for any occasion. Whether throwing a party, hosting a family get-together or simply treating yourself to a professional meal in the comfort of your own home, Thyme For You is both professional and affordable. Chef Beth, the founder and Head Chef of Thyme For You, has been cooking since childhood, and now lovingly shares a lifetime of cooking experience with the world by bringing it directly into your home. Here is her spicy snack of choice for a tailgating event.

Jalapeno Roll-Ups

• 1 large tub cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup finely minced red pepper
• 1/4 cup finely minced green onions (white and green parts)
• 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese (or whatever you prefer)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 jar of jalapeno slices
• 4 large tortillas (can use spinach or other flavors if desired)
• 1 jar of your favorite salsa and/or guacamole

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients from cream cheese to cumin in medium bowl and combine well (you can use a hand mixer to make it easier).
2. Drain jalapeno slices.
3. Lay tortilla on flat surface, spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture all over to the edges of tortilla.
4. Put a row of jalapeno slices down the middle of the tortilla. Turn tortilla so jalapenos are in a line parallel to you.
5. Roll up tortilla tightly so that the row of jalapenos is in the middle, place in plastic wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. When ready to serve, slice tortillas into little rounds and serve with salsa and/or guacamole.
7. Enjoy!

Related: Best Sports Bars In Baltimore