Hey, sports fans! Grab your grill, stock your cooler and get ready to cheer on your team. Fall signals the official start of the tailgate season. Who can resist huddling around the stadium parking lot devouring cheeseburgers and slurping piping hot bowls of chili? While these traditional calorie-heavy favs may tempt hungry fans, healthy doesn’t have to take a knee. Illinois farmers offer a full roster of homegrown produce and products perfect for tailgating. I put together an all-star menu featuring a starting lineup of easy-to-eat and prepare tailgate recipes. You’ll score extra points because they deliver a winning combination: nutrition and flavor.
Rum-Glazed Sweet Potato Bundt Cake Bites
Rum-Glazed Sweet Potato Bundt Cake Bites earn the MVP spot on my tailgate menu. Mini Bundt cakes, aka “Bundtinis,” offer built-in portion control. The sweet potatoes boost vitamin A and add an autumn twist. Save time by baking and mashing the sweet potatoes in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperate before adding to the batter. I prefer dark rum, but light rum works, too. Feel free to add a splash of rum extract to the glaze for enhanced flavor. Bottom line: forget the flask. These boozy Bundt cakes will keep everyone warm and satisfied.
