A Trio of Recipes for Football Season

As the sports world gets ready for the start of another season of football, tailgaters and party planners get ready for another season of menu planning in celebration of the boys of fall. These quick, easy recipes are some personal favorites for football parties, barbecues, and other parties throughout the year.

Fruit and cheese kabobs - a healthy appetizer that works great for tailgating, barbecues, or even as an after-practice snack for your future gridiron great.

*One pound Colby-Jack cheese

*One pound cheddar cheese

*One pound baby Swiss cheese

*One fresh pineapple cut into chunks

*One to two pounds seedless grapes

*Three pints strawberries

Cut cheese into chunks. Thread alternating pieces of cheese and fruits onto wooden skewers and serve (makes approximately three dozen skewers).

Beef and cheese wraps - easy to make, easy to transport, and easy to eat.

*Four 10" tortillas

*Eight ounces spreadable chive and onion cream cheese

*One cup shredded carrots

*One cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

*One pound thin-sliced cooked roast beef

*Leaf lettuce

Spread cream cheese on one side of tortillas, add carrots and cheese. Layer beef and lettuce and roll up, wrapping each roll in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, cut each wrap in half, or in slices as finger food.

No-bake cereal bars - a quick, easy dessert or snack that pleases kids and adults alike.

*Four cups Cheerios or similar cereal

*Two cups crisped rice cereal

*Two cups dry roasted peanuts

*Two cups M&Ms

*One cup light corn syrup

*One cup sugar

*1-1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

*One teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine cereals, peanuts, and M&Ms in a large bowl. In a large saucepan, combine corn syrup and sugar; bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, stirring in peanut butter and vanilla. Pour over cereal mixture, tossing or stirring to coat. Spread into greased 15"x10"x1" pan; cool and cut into bars.

Source: Taste of Home Tailgate Cookbook 2006