Kap & Mina's Sunday Afternoon Tailgate: Pro Bowl

The Pro Bowl is here, which means that football fans eager for one more game before the big one can, if they are desperate, watch fourth and fifth-string Pro Bowlers put forth half effort in a game that doesn't matter. 

More importantly, however, it also means that we'll be revisiting our old Pro Bowl tradition: Brinner. That's breakfast for dinner, for those who don't know, and it's one of the all-time comfort food classics!

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"BRINNER"
Breakfast for Dinner

Sometimes I spend too much time on the internet, and usually I'm procrastinating by looking up pictures of sloths. But when I found this idea (on Buzzfeed or something) last spring, I knew that I had to try it the next time Kap and I made a Breakfast for Dinner. "Doffles"--or donuts press in a waffle maker--are so easy to make (and so insanely caloric) that they are the perfect "Brinner" treat.

- Mina

As if "doffles" aren't enough, I found this recipe for a cake that imitates one of those classic go-to drink recipes: the Jack and Coke.

I can't take any credit for this one, but click the link and see the recipe for yourself!

​- Kap

I realize we haven't done many non-alcoholic drinks on The Tailgate, but there are many football fans out there who don't drink (or who are designated drivers). They deserve something better than cola.

This cocktail is classy, tart, and sophisticated. It's perfect for "brinner!"

​- Kap

Doffles

Jack and Coke Cake

Reno Mocktail

• 6 Classic Glazed Donuts
• Waffle Iron
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray (if needed, for waffle iron(

Preheat waffle iron. Press one donut into waffle maker for 3 minutes, or until its presets register as "done." Remove with a spatula and serve with bacon and eggs for a complete breakfast for dinner.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE!

• 4 oz. Grapefruit Juice
• 2 oz. Key Lime Juice (you can use regular lime juice, if you want)
• 1 1/2 oz. Grenadine (I use homemade grenadine)
• 2 1/2 tsp. Simple Syrup
• 1 sprig of Mint (optional, for garnish)

​Shake ingredients well in a tumbler with ice, and serve in a Collins glass.

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The "Hot Toddy" as a drink concept--wherein you heat your wine or spirits to a desired temperature and flavor with fruit and spices--is very old (think about the Middle Ages' hot mulled wine).  But here are some newer spins on these old favorites. After all, January is National Hot Tea Month, so this is a perfect time to celebrate with a traditional British cuppa, spiked with a good spirit that will warm you right down to your toes.

- Mina

"By Jove, It's a Flight of Toddys"

Traditional Black Tea and Whiskey Toddy

• 1 tsp. Thyme-Honey
• 2 oz. Hot Black Tea
• 1 1/2 oz. Whiskey
• 3 Whole Cloves
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 1 Slice Orange
• 1 Dash of Orange Bitters
• 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg

Pour the honey, tea and whiskey into a tumbler or mug. Spice it with the cloves and cinnamon, and put in the slice of orange and the bitters. Let the mixture stand for 3-5 minutes so the flavors can mingle, then sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg before serving.

Charles Dickens's Favorite: Hot Gin and Lemon Punch

• 2 oz. Gin
• 2 1/2 oz. Sweet Red Wine
• 1 pinch Dark Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp. Lemon Zest
• 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Orange Zest
• 1 tsp Orange Juice
• 2 pieces Canned Pineapple, crushed
• 1-2 Whole Cloves
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg

This is an adaptation of the recipe that appears in many of the works of Charles Dickens (and is so lovingly described in A Christmas Carol) because it was his favorite drink.  According to his biographer, Dickens would get misty-eyed just thinking about hot gin punch! 

Combine all ingredients in saucepan, and simmer on low/medium for at least twenty minutes, until flavors are well-blended (add more lemon, or brown sugar to taste if desired). Serve warm in a mug, or an old chipped brandy snifter, like Bob Cratchet would do.

The Green Machine Rum Toddy

• 4-6 oz. Hot Green Tea
• 1 oz. Spiced Rum
• 1/2 Lime
• 1 TBSP Thyme Honey, or any Flavored Honey Infusion
• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon Sugar (optional: to taste) 

Combine hot tea and rum until well-mixed. Squeeze in juice of lime, and stir in honey. Top with cinnamon sugar, if desired. Serve in a teacup or punch glass.

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PREDICTIONS

Pro Bowl Predictions

Who cares? Seriously.

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Super Bowl Predictions

Kap

Most people aren't giving the Broncos much of a chance against the high-powered Panthers team, but I'm going with experience in this one. Denver has the better defense, and they have Peyton Manning who is looking to both redeem some past playoff performances and also retire at the top of the game. Cam will eventually have his day, but I expect the Broncs to rally around Peyton in Super Bowl 50 the way they did for Elway at the end of his career.
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• Winner: Broncos

• Score: 27-24

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• MVP: Peyton Manning

Mina

I'm hoping for a defensive slug-fest this Super Bowl, and so I don't want a basketball score. I think that Denver is a better team. They are heartier, better seasoned, and they make better decisions. The Panthers have better energy. You combine that with the intensity of a Super Bowl, and I see Cam Newton carrying the day.
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• Winner: Panthers

• Score: 21-14

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• MVP: Cam Newton

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Tune in next week for the Super Bowl Spectacular!

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All recipes listed above come from our own imaginations unless otherwise indicated. If you try one of these recipes in your own kitchen, leave a comment below and tell us how it goes. And, of course, share your modifications, enhancements, improvements, etc