Gain Yardage - Not Inches! Kick Off the Tailgate Season With a Trim Waist

Cabot Creamery Cooperative Helps Fuel the Perfect Family

Tailgate Party with Healthy Eats that Everyone Can Enjoy

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Sep 20, 2010, 09:25 ET

CABOT, Vt., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether it's a stadium parking lot jam-packed with sixty thousand hyped-up football fans, or a high school field full of cheering football moms, the tailgate party is one of America's greatest pastimes. Some might argue that tailgating is actually more popular then the game for which it was organized to celebrate; spending a few hours outside in the fall air among friends and family is something just about anyone can look forward to, whether or not they are even interested in football.

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But too often the fun of these bumper-side get-togethers are marred by fussy grills, noxious lighter fluid fumes and greasy fare. To combat this, Cabot Creamery, the New England farm family-owned dairy cooperative best known as "Makers of the World's Best Cheddar," has created two healthful recipes that can be prepared in advance and are perfect for family tailgating fun.

"Tailgate parties are associated with a lot of great things, like time spent laughing and having fun with family and friends," says National Nutrition Communications Manager and Registered Dietitian Regan Jones. "Unfortunately, they are also traditionally connected with consuming fatty foods.

"Wearing the same size jersey as your favorite offensive lineman is not necessarily something to be proud of," jokes Jones. "But lucky for fans, there are plenty of great tasting snacks and foods that are healthful while also fitting for the tailgate theme. For instance, Cabot's Black Bean Chili Dip offers a high-fiber, less fat alternative to traditional refried bean dips and features Cabot's 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar, which melts just as well as Sharp Cheddar

"Another common problem with the average tailgate party is that setup can become too complicated," continues Jones. "Portable grills are messy, time consuming and unreliable. If you're tailgating with your kids and are just looking for an uncomplicated approach, I would highly recommend bringing something that is easy to eat and prepare in advance, like Crispy Baked Chicken Strips. You can bring along a selection of sauces - like buffalo, barbecue, and honey mustard – in a few small Tupperware containers, which will fit nicely in the beverage cooler. And the chicken is baked, not fried, so feeding your family something that isn't good for them won't be an issue."

For more tailgate party recipes, like our, Black Bean Chili Dip and Crispy Baked Chicken Strips, visit http://www.cabotcheese.coop/recipes.

Black Bean Chili Dip
Makes 2 cups for about 8 servings

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed, drained and partially mashed
1/2 cup drained canned whole kernel corn
1/3 cup salsa
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons chili powder
Cooking spray
5 ounces 75% or 50% Reduced Fat Cabot Cheddar Cheese, grated (about 1 1/4 cups)
2 tablespoons drained canned green chilies

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine beans and next 4 ingredients; pour into a small casserole dish coated with cooking spray.
3. Sprinkle with cheese and green chiles.
4. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and filling is bubbly. Uncover and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Analysis
Calories 69, Total Fat 2g, Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 259mg, Carbohydrates 8g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 7g, Calcium 140mg


Crispy Baked Chicken Strips
Makes 6 servings

Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
Pinch salt
Pinch ground black pepper
4 large egg whites
1/2 cup reduced-fat (2%) milk
1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
4 ounces Cabot 50 % Reduced Fat Cheddar, grated (about 1 cup)
6 boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In three separate bowls:
- mix together flour, salt and pepper
- beat together egg whites and milk
- mix together cornflakes and cheese
3. Dip chicken strips first into flour, then into egg white mixture, then into cornflake mixture, turning to coat. Place in baking dish. (Discard any unused mixture.)
4. Bake for 25 minutes or until nicely browned, turning over after about 12 minutes. Serve with ketchup or barbecue sauce if desired.

Nutrition Analysis
Calories 291, Total Fat 11g, Saturated Fat 4g, Sodium 282mg, Carbohydrates 19g, Dietary Fiber <1g, Protein 28g, Calcium 150mg

ABOUT CABOT CREAMERY COOPERATIVE

Cabot Creamery Cooperative has been in continuous operation in Vermont since 1919, and we make a full line of cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and butter. Best known as makers of "The World's Best Cheddar," Cabot is owned by 1200 dairy farm families located throughout New England and upstate New York. For additional information on Cabot Creamery, visit http://www.cabotcheese.coop