Harvard Common Press

HCP Dishes!

Gameday Tips for Your March Madness Party

Sunday March 1, 2009

What’s your game plan for March Madness? Spanning 3 weeks and 63 games, this annual tradition in college basketball is likely the longest sporting event of the year. This extended competition gives fans the opportunity to host multiple weekend (and even weekday) parties over the course of the month. For the party-hungry host looking to have it all, including a great time, the key is to keep things simple.

“When planning your party, think about picking snacks that have a bit of flair and flash, but which can be made before the game, or at least contain elements that can be put together beforehand,” recommends A.J. Rathbun, author of Party Snacks!: 50 Simple, Stylish Recipes to Make You a Popular Party Host ($12.95, The Harvard Common Press). Making the food ahead means that all you need to do is straighten up before guests arrive (a bonus for those weeknight games), and you can throw a memorable game-time party without missing any of the action.

Debbie Moose, food writer for The Raleigh News & Observer and author of Fan Fare: A Playbook of Great Recipes for Tailgating or Watching the Game at Home ($14.95, The Harvard Common Press), agrees: “Do whatever you can ahead of time, so that when it’s game time at home, all you have to do is have fun. There are a number of recipes that are great for preparing the day before.” With this in mind, here are some appetizing recipes that A.J. and Debbie recommend for your March Madness celebration:

White Bean and Rosemary Pâté – A simple yet memorable spread that pairs the smoothness of pureed white beans with crusty French bread. A.J recommends it “not just because it’s so simple to put together, but also because you get to say ‘I’m serving white bean and rosemary pâté,’ which is purely a riot if you affect a jokingly snooty accent.“

Gorgeous Gougères – “The ideal balance of fluff and substance,” according to A.J. These golden beauties are ideal for weeknight games since they can be made ahead and reheated before the first tip-off. Whip up a batch on the weekend and refrigerate for those after-work gatherings when friends show up unexpectedly to watch the game.

Slam-Dunk Sausage Balls – A delicious blend of meat and cheese, these tasty appetizers are always in Debbie’s freezer during basketball season, as they are quick and easy to reheat and feed groups large or small.