JORDAN-CHRISTOPHER PURVIS
Staff Writer
For most people, the month of March is filled with March Madness, preparing for the upcoming Major League Baseball season, and most importantly traveling somewhere warm for spring break. As a result, watching any kind of sporting events must include food. Game-day food preparation is essential. For all you sport fans getting ready to enjoy this week’s sporting events, here are my 5 game day food ideas while on a budget.
- Food Platters
When it comes to food trays there are so many options to choose from. Classic game day food platters are veggie trays with homemade ranch sauce, Tailgate Sliders, chicken bites, pizza rolls, beef, chicken and pork empanadas, Cheese, Salami and Crackers, fruit and nut platters, hot wings with carrots and celery and blue cheese dip and let’s not forget about the classic sandwich platters. Sandwich platters have a number of combinations that can satisfy the palate of many foodies. There options range from your classic ham and cheese, tuna sandwich, classic vegetarian hoagie, and turkey with swiss amongst many others. Food platters are easy to prepare and cost-efficient because they meet the needs of your budget and they are simple and easy to prepare for you’re a day of fun while rooting for your team.
- Chips & Dip
The life of a college student can be very overwhelming, especially when you’re broke. There is nothing wrong with keeping it simple and buying chips and dip for you and your friends. When it comes to chips you have a ton of options like potato chips, tortilla chips, corn chips, and plantains. For those of you who are worried about your blood pressure, another option would be to indulge in salt-free chips. Additionally, for you guys that eat super healthy, there are also vegan and organic options for you to try. Let’s not forget about the dip. The chemistry between chips and dip are amazing, the dip brings out the better part of the chip. There are many options that you can put together, such as salsa, Guacamole, onion, and artichoke dip. For health conscious individuals, hummus is usually their choice of dip.
- Tacos
Tacos maybe the most interesting side to any gathering. Tacos allow you to be more creative on a budget. You have the ability to prepare options with little effort needed. The portions are small, yet tasty and can be filling after you add the additional toppings. Most commonly used add-on options are lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, onions, green peppers to name a few. One of my favorite game day tacos would be the fish taco. My guest usually love when I prepare the mahi-mahi tacos. The feedback that I receive from my guest has always been amazing. Additionally, options for tacos on a budget are Chicken tacos, beef tacos, pork tacos.
- Pizza
We’ve all had those days when we don’t feel like cooking. You’re just super busy and, extra lazy, and don’t feel like preparing anything at all. What’s the first option that comes to mind? That’s when the light bulb goes on and, pizza becomes your best friend. For all you true pizza lovers, every pizza restaurant doesn’t serve great pizza. Yet, if you’re looking for a good pizza restaurant in the Fredonia area, then your best option hands down is Maria’s Pizzeria & Restaurant. Their additional add-on toppings are endless. When deciding on a topping be different, there’s more to pizza than just cheese. Maria’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is located at 30 Water St, Fredonia, New York.
Beverages
When in doubt I always opt for water. After eating all of the above-mentioned foods, there’s nothing greater than having an ice cold bottle of water. It’s good for you and very affordable when purchased in bulk. A 24 pack of water can cost you approximately $5.00 after taxes and deposit. Lastly, as always I always urge my guest to bring beverages as well, asking guests to bring beverages keeps you within your budget and adds value to your gathering.