I was watching the ever entertaining Alton Brown on Good Eats just now, and I thought to myself 'Why not strat a food related thread?' We all know the cliches of gamers eating Cheetos and Funyuns while chugging Mountain Dew. I wondered if anyone else out there had a gaming tradition like my group. Every game someone brings food to snack on, on a rotational basis. Sometimes players take the quick route and buy food trays or get pizza. I think it'd be great if people discussed what they're snacking upon and )for those of you up to it) maybe throw down a few recipes for others to try. I'll start it off...
Creamy Nacho Dip
This recipe is a hybrid of two other simply dips, that seems to do amazingly well together. I apologize for not knowing exacts on some of these, this idea was off the top of my head. Here goes:
- One large block of Velveeta Cheeze (reduced fat okay)
- Two cans of Rotel tomatos (I like the one spicy & one mild)
- One block of cream cheeze (no fat free, low fat okay though)
- One pound Jimmy Dean Ground Pork Sausage (reduced fat, yet again okay)
- Optional - One small drained can of chopped black olives and/or jalapeno peppers
- Two cans of Rotel tomatos (I like the one spicy & one mild)
Start by cutting the Velveeta and cream cheeze into 1/2 inch blocks. This doesn't have to be perfect, just approximate. The small size helps with the upcoming step. Mix the two cheezes together in a large microwavable non-plastic bowl (large enough to contain all ingredients and still fit into the microwave) with the rotel (with any optional ingredients) and mix well. Cover (whatever you prefer - saran wrap, paper plate, splatterguard, etc) and set aside.
Brown the sausage in a pan much like you would ground beef, except half way through drain the liquid grease. (I use a spoon, tilt the pan, and scoop the hot grease into an empty can (usually the olive can). Make sure it's thoroughly cooked through. If you have any questions on cooking sausage, google it! :D (sorry, I have to draw the line on details somewhere.) After the sausage is cooked and broken up into small pieces (yes, do this) add to the cheeze mix stirring a good bit.
Microwave the mix for four minutes. Some cheeze should have melted, take it out and mix it up. Keep microwaving for in two minute bursts until the cheeze is melted well. One it's fully melted and mixed, either refridgerate and remelt later or serve. This can also be made in the crock pot, and canned cream of mushrooms can be substituted for the cream cheeze I'VE HEARD, but haven't tried.
I hope some else out there has a chance to enjoy this simple mix, and I look forward to hearing what everyone else does.
I was watching the ever entertaining Alton Brown on Good Eats just now, and I thought to myself 'Why not strat a food related thread?' We all know the cliches of gamers eating Cheetos and Funyuns while chugging Mountain Dew. I wondered if anyone else out there had a gaming tradition like my group. Every game someone brings food to snack on, on a rotational basis. Sometimes players take the quick route and buy food trays or get pizza. I think it'd be great if people discussed what they're snacking upon and )for those of you up to it) maybe throw down a few recipes for others to try. I'll start it off...
Creamy Nacho Dip
This recipe is a hybrid of two other simply dips, that seems to do amazingly well together. I apologize for not knowing exacts on some of these, this idea was off the top of my head. Here goes:
- One large block of Velveeta Cheeze (reduced fat okay)
- Two cans of Rotel tomatos (I like the one spicy & one mild)
- One block of cream cheeze (no fat free, low fat okay though)
- One pound Jimmy Dean Ground Pork Sausage (reduced fat, yet again okay)
- Optional - One small drained can of chopped black olives and/or jalapeno peppers
Start by cutting the Velveeta and cream cheeze into 1/2 inch blocks. This doesn't have to be perfect, just approximate. The small size helps with the upcoming step. Mix the two cheezes together in a large microwavable non-plastic bowl (large enough to contain all ingredients and still fit into the microwave) with the rotel (with any optional ingredients) and mix well. Cover (whatever you prefer - saran wrap, paper plate, splatterguard, etc) and set aside.
Brown the sausage in a pan much like you would ground beef, except half way through drain the liquid grease. (I use a spoon, tilt the pan, and scoop the hot grease into an empty can (usually the olive can). Make sure it's thoroughly cooked through. If you have any questions on cooking sausage, google it! :D (sorry, I have to draw the line on details...
We sometimes do this with ground beef and taco seasoning instead of the sausage. I haven't tried adding cream cheese though. We favor the lime and cilantro Rotel too.
We sometimes do this with ground beef and taco seasoning instead of the sausage. I haven't tried adding cream cheese though. We favor the lime and cilantro Rotel too.
Hmmm...I gotta try the lime and cilantro... We tried using the lime chips by tostidos. Yummy!
Regular parts of our gaming weekend include:
Plenty of fizzy brown sweet water (Coke and other varieties)
Vegetable Platter and Dip
Breakfast Burritos (scrambled eggs, cheese, salsa, avocado, sauteed mushrooms and onions, bacon, all wrapped in a flour tortilla with a touch of mayo to bind the sucker shut <G>)
The main meal on Saturday varies, depending on the weather and the GM's preferences ... we've had a lot of fun doing "themed" meals that fit whatever mayhem the party is going to be up to that weekend.
Some examples are:
Crimson Throne: Seven Days to the Grave = First play session: Shrimp, Crab Cakes and other seafood based nummies (start of the adventure was right after Crab Day in Korvosa)
Second play session: Big ol' crock pot of home-made chicken soup, green salad and rolls with butter.
Third play session: Hors'd'oevres style food, all munchy and trying for fancy look
Rise of the Runelords: Skinsaw Murders = First play session: Roast Turkey and the trimmings (good ol' farm food!)
And then always something decadent and enough for four for two days in the dessert category :)
Regular parts of our gaming weekend include:
Plenty of fizzy brown sweet water (Coke and other varieties)
Vegetable Platter and Dip
Breakfast Burritos (scrambled eggs, cheese, salsa, avocado, sauteed mushrooms and onions, bacon, all wrapped in a flour tortilla with a touch of mayo to bind the sucker shut <G>)The main meal on Saturday varies, depending on the weather and the GM's preferences ... we've had a lot of fun doing "themed" meals that fit whatever mayhem the party is going to be up to that weekend.
Some examples are:
Crimson Throne: Seven Days to the Grave = First play session: Shrimp, Crab Cakes and other seafood based nummies (start of the adventure was right after Crab Day in Korvosa)
Second play session: Big ol' crock pot of home-made chicken soup, green salad and rolls with butter.
Third play session: Hors'd'oevres style food, all munchy and trying for fancy look ** spoiler omitted **
Rise of the Runelords: Skinsaw Murders = First play session: Roast Turkey and the trimmings (good ol' farm food!)
And then always something decadent and enough for four for two days in the dessert category :)
Sounds awesome! Themed food adds a kind of extra level of participation to the game. We drink Ziegenboch Amber (the best beer ever! but only Texas brewed and sold) when players order drinks in the bar.
What way do you determine whose turn it is to provide or is that via the location of the game?
I am not a healthy gamer. Normally we gave via internet, so we don't typically have a meal or anything with our sessions; I generally have a couple of sodas and some Tostito's and dip or Cheez-its or something else quick and snack-like.
That said, the times we DO game in person, one or both of the girls in the group tends to pounce on the opportunity to cook. Tomorrow will be one such session *happy dance, happy dance*
Sounds awesome! Themed food adds a kind of extra level of participation to the game. We drink Ziegenboch Amber (the best beer ever! but only Texas brewed and sold) when players order drinks in the bar.
What way do you determine whose turn it is to provide or is that via the location of the game?
Our friends live in Los Angeles (were we lived nearly a decade back) and we're down in San Diego. With the gas prices and all, we host the game at our place, and provide the food and space. In the past, when we lived closer, we took it in turns to make or bring food depending on where we were playing. :)
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Sounds awesome! Themed food adds a kind of extra level of participation to the game. We drink Ziegenboch Amber (the best beer ever! but only Texas brewed and sold) when players order drinks in the bar.
What way do you determine whose turn it is to provide or is that via the location of the game?
Dangit, now I've a craving for ZiegenBock. And I moved to California!
*waves fist ineffectually*
Our friends live in Los Angeles (were we lived nearly a decade back) and we're down in San Diego. With the gas prices and all, we host the game at our place, and provide the food and space. In the past, when we lived closer, we took it in turns to make or bring food depending on where we were playing. :)Sounds awesome! Themed food adds a kind of extra level of participation to the game. We drink Ziegenboch Amber (the best beer ever! but only Texas brewed and sold) when players order drinks in the bar.
What way do you determine whose turn it is to provide or is that via the location of the game?
You guys live in San Diego? Cool! My friend Rock lives in San Diego too.
Sounds awesome! Themed food adds a kind of extra level of participation to the game. We drink Ziegenboch Amber (the best beer ever! but only Texas brewed and sold) when players order drinks in the bar.
What way do you determine whose turn it is to provide or is that via the location of the game?
Dangit, now I've a craving for ZiegenBock. And I moved to California!
*waves fist ineffectually*
My heart goes out to you there friend. Can you get Shiner at least where you're at? Ziegenboch, Shiner, and Shocktop (on tap) are my regular 3 here. I had a Shiner 100 Commemorator yesterday.
Speaking of beer, the gaming meetup I run here in Houston is going to be doing an overnight "Dice and Drinks - 21 & Up" at the local gaming store. We'll be playing pathfinder, and it's a lockin, so keys go in the basket til the next morning. We're tinking of having a drinking game based around rolling a natural 7 or 11 (take a sip). Any thoughts?
Hmmm.
Hmmmm? :)
Carrots dipped in home-made salsa. Healthy and tasty!
It's been a while since I've ben in a face-to-face game though.
Carrots dipped in home-made salsa. Healthy and tasty!But if it is healthy is really worth it?
If you want to stay healthy and not pack on the pounds, yes!
Carrots dipped in home-made salsa. Healthy and tasty!
It's been a while since I've been in a face-to-face game though.
I actually read an article once that denouncd caffiene and sugary snacks at D&D games, calling them "worse than nothing". The idea being that after a couple hours the energy level drops. My personal favorite for our players is to brew a big batch of Teavana tea. there's no "drop off" feeling and it doesn't hurt that loose leaf teas can be healthy too.
Here's one of my favorite "themed" tea items we have. One bottle of wild vine blackberry merlot with 5 tablespoons of raspberry sangria tea steeped at room temperture for 5 hours. Pour into a 2 quart pitcher, us a filter to rebottle, chill until used within 2 days.
This makes an excellent "elven wine" as it is fruity and sweet. It's not very alcoholic, so it doesn'tget your players toasted. It tastes great and the net cost is about $6 bucks. I know putting a tea in wine sounds crazy, but if you've ever used Teavana loose lea teas, you'd know what I mean when I say they're a notch above the rest.
our star wars saga game friday night i made a crock pot meatballs with a sweet sour mustard sauce (with about a half bottle of burban involved).
salsa, chips, and home brew beer. which was excellent.
the game crew is comming over next saturday to put together a bunch of first lego robotics leauge compititon sets. we are making pulled pork sandwiches and beer. legos and beer. yes.
our star wars saga game friday night i made a crock pot meatballs with a sweet sour mustard sauce (with about a half bottle of burban involved).
salsa, chips, and home brew beer. which was excellent.
the game crew is comming over next saturday to put together a bunch of first lego robotics leauge compititon sets. we are making pulled pork sandwiches and beer. legos and beer. yes.
That sounds freakin delicious!
Carl's Bean Dish
3x 14½oz Cans of Beans (Mix of types. Suggest: Black, White, and Kidney for color)
1x 14½oz Can of Diced Tomato
1x Large Onion, chopped
3x Table spoons of Lemon Juice
2x Cloves Garlic, minced
2x Cans of V-8 Vegetable Drink
1x 1lb of Stew Beef, browned & chopped
2-3x Tsp. Chili Pepper
Steps:
1) Pour each can of beans, one at a time, into a strainer and wash thoroughly!
2) Pour washed beans into crockpot
3) Drain can of tomatoes, and add to crockpot.
4) Add chopped onion to crockpot
5) Add meat to crockpot
6) Add minced garlic to crockpot.
7) Add seasoning to crockpot.
8) Add Lemon Juice to crockpot.
9) Cover with V-8 (should take 1½ cans). Drink remaining portion.
10) Stir crockpot.
11) Cook on low 6-8 hours or on high for 3 hours. (recommend low)
Veggie tray or Fruit tray
Jellybeans for me
sweet and unsweet tea
some type of dip, such as hummus or cheese
For my game store games, we usually eat dinner before we go so I just have candy and a powerade for snacks.
This week was pork-chops and a potato celery gratin
Last week was chicken stuffed with sausage, wrapped in bacon served with a bacon broccoli mac N cheese.
My brother cooks, and goes all out.
I've smoked some bacon-wrapped pork chops for game before. Serve it with a side of baked beans.
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Last game I hosted I had a spicy tortellini casserole - cheese tortellini, onions, garlic, fresh tomatoes, hot sausage, half and half and rooster sauce.
Next week I'm hosting again, and I'm making curry. Haven't decided on beef or chicken yet. But I"ll probably end up going with beef. MMmmmm! I like Patak's Madras curry paste, so I guess I cheat, but it's yummy and easy. This is important when you're GMing and don't have the time to really play hostess.
I've also done beef and veggie casseroles, broiled open faced sandwiches, beef roast in the crock pot, turkey with mashed potatoes, a veggie and fresh bread...and I try to do a cake for players' birthdays. :)
When's game? I'll be there, Jess.
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We tend to cycle between:
Hot dogs and chips, some sort of dessert
Black beans and rice, chips, nacho/taco fixings, some sort of dessert
Pinto beans and chips, nacho/taco fixings, some sort of dessert
Spaghetti, bread, and some sort of dessert
Lumpia and fried rice, some sort of dessert
Hmm. Apparently dessert is mandatory.
That's Friday games, anyway.
Now Saturday games--harder to say. The snacks vary depending on the moms-of-the-group's current understandings of "nutritious" and "tasty". For example, one of the moms decided sugar is EEEEEeevil and has refused anything with it. But not fructose-sweetened items. (Um...??)
Saturdays we have some of the following, depending on mood:
popcorn
pistachios (the salt and pepper ones, mm)
cupcakes (happy birthday, Sean!)
Reeses peanut butter cups
Oreos
Cheetos
various potato chips
energy drinks
and of course...
some sort of dessert. ;)
Friday games are family-style meals and thoughtful roleplaying. Saturday games are snack-fueled hackfests post-supper.