IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR…COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT TIME and the FINAL FOUR PLAY WILL BEGIN ON SATURDAY, APRIL 5. All four number 1 seeds are in the final four which is unusual. Seems there are always a couple of big upsets.
Our family will be anxiously watching the outcome as both DUKE AND FLORIDA made it to the final four and hopefully will play for the National Championship on Monday, April 7.
I am of course revealing my prejudices as Dave went to Duke and both our kids went to the University of Florida. (It would have been more perfect for me if my Tennessee Vols had made it to the Final Four. Unfortunately they were beaten in the Elite Eight by Houston)
Many of you know from following The Art Of Living that I painted tailgating paintings from the 14 SEC schools (now up to 16 schools). I had begun a painting for Dave of a Duke tailgate, but it has been sitting in my studio unfinished for quite some time. I decided with this final 4 appearance to finish the painting for Dave.
“TAILGATING IN KZYZEWSKIVILLE”
24″x 30″ Acrylic on canvas
The Duke one is special in that I show a tailgate, but the setup is behind Cameron Indoor Stadium, famous for its intimidating setting particularly for the away team. I have attended quite a few games with the Cameron Crazies, yelling and screaming in a hot, hot, hot(temperature wise) venue. This is the only painting that is centered around basketball and not tailgating for football.
Special feature in this painting is KRZYZEWSKIVILLE made famous by the students who set up tents and camp out before the annual Duke UNC basketball game. It is not a ticket line as students don’t get tickets. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. To see all the elaborate rules for students camping click here for Wikipedia explantion.
And yes I had to practice spelling KRZYZEWSKI before finally getting it right. Now you know why they call it K-ville and Coach K.
Not to forget about my Florida grads, I will also post my “Tailgating In The Swamp”.
And since Auburn is in the SEC, I also have a tailgating one for them.
“TAILGATING AT TOOMER’S CORNER”
The University of Houston is not in the SEC and I do not have a painting from there…
Instead I’ll post my Tennessee tailgating painting because I sure wish they had beaten Houston and made it to the Final Four. I’ll always love my Vols.
“TAILGATING WITH THE VOL NAVY”
HOPE THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE. I DO THINK THE BEST TEAMS IN THE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW ARE PLAYING. I WILL BE PULLING FOR DUKE AND FLORIDA!We’re not tailgating, will be making a special dinner to eat on TV trays as we watch the games.
Main course is
ROASTED CHICKEN WITH POTATOES, ARUGULA AND GARLIC YOGURT
It’s easy and basically is a one pan meal. Just add a salad and you’re good to go.
Ingredients
- 1 package boneless chicken thighs (about 6)
- 1 1/4 pounds small red potatoes or baby yellow potatoes, quartered
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, more as needed
- 2 tablespoons sriracha hot chili sauce (found in Asian section of grocery)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
- 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove
- Juice from lemon 1/4 -1/2 lemon according to how lemony you like it!
- Chopped fresh dill, as needed
- 2 ounces or more baby arugula
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine chicken and potatoes in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together harissa, cumin and 3 tablespoons oil. Pour over chicken and potatoes and toss to combine. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Be sure to allow it to stand 30 minutes after refrigeration before roasting.
- In a medium bowl, combine leeks, lemon zest, a pinch of salt and the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil.
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange chicken and potatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast 15 minutes.
- Toss potatoes lightly. Scatter leeks over pan. Roast until chicken and potatoes are cooked through and everything is golden and slightly crisped, 20 to 30 minutes longer. Be sure to check on the leeks to make sure they do not burn.
- While chicken cooks, place yogurt in a small bowl. Grate garlic over yogurt and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add lemon and dill to taste. You can also prepare this ahead of time.
- To serve, spoon yogurt over chicken and vegetables in the pan. Scatter arugula and dill over mixture. Drizzle with oil and lemon juice and serve.
Notes
Once the leeks are in oven check often to keep from burning. If recipe is doubled, make sure to use the same size sheet pan and rotate the pans after the first 15 minutes. I also doubled up on the yogurt sauce because it adds a nice coolness to the spicy marinade. Serve straight from the pan or on a serving platter!By KathyMillerTime
Adapted from The New York Times
Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com
And if you want an easy make ahead appetizer try these
SECRET SOUTHERN CHEESE CRISPIES
HOLLY’S SECRET SOUTHERN “CHEESE CRISPIES”
Serving Size:
Ingredients
1 cup (filled up) sharp cheddar cheese at room temperature
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 stick of salted butter- softened
1 cup rice crispies
Add a pinch of salt (optional) and a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes.Instructios
- Heat oven to 350 degrees
- Mix everything in a food processor until a soft ball forms, except for the rice crispies.
- Add a pinch of salt. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes to give as much “kick” as you desire!
- Pulse in the rice crispies until mixed in the dough. (You want the rice crispies to remain semi-crunchy!)
- Form the dough into teaspoon-sized balls or dollop a teaspoon-sized amount onto the greased cookie sheet. They can be placed ½” apart, as they don’t spread out.Sprinkle a little more red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can decide how spicy you want them!
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 8-14 minutes, until lightly browned.
This makes about 24-30 balls, depending on the size. Serve warm, preferably.
Make ahead and store in an airtight container in refrigerator or place in a baggie and freeze them.
By KathyMillerTime
Holly Holden
Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com
COME CELEBRATE WITH ME. I’LL SAVE YOU A SEAT ON THE SOFA!