From Our Table: It’s Grey Cup time, let’s party

By Medicine Hat News on November 20, 2018.

This Sunday is the 106th Grey Cup Game, the ultimate prize in the Canadian Football League. It’s set to take place in our very own province of Alberta, Edmonton to be exact. I see it’s only going to be around -5 C and shouldn’t be too much snow since temperatures are above zero all week. A bit warmer than might be expected this time of year.

There’s also another important Alberta connection in this year’s Grey Cup. Our Calgary Stampeders will be competing against the Ottawa Redblacks for Canadian football’s finest prize. This is their fourth meeting in Grey Cup competition and it’s actually the third year in a row the Stampeders have made it to the Grey Cup. That’s quite an accomplishment!

I confess I’m not an avid football fan. My brother and sister have season tickets in Edmonton, my other brother and his son are championship high school football coaches and so it does run in my blood a little. They are going to laugh when they read this.

However there are two important things to note. First of all, I really want the West to win. I’m still getting over a bit of a football grudge. A few years ago we went to Hamilton to watch my nephew compete in the Vanier Cup as a proud player for the University of Saskatchewan, my alma mater. They lost against a team from Quebec and it was heart wrenching. But here’s where the grudge came in. The Quebec fans kept telling the U of S fans to get on our tractors and drive home. That just didn’t sit very well with me. But no I didn’t get into any altercations, no physical ones anyway.

On a positive note, the other important fact is, I love parties. One reason is as good as another to me to have or go to a party. Parties mean being with people, celebrating and the best part — lots of fabulous food. I’m already equipped with football shaped platters and plates and napkins, let the festivities begin.

So make Alberta and the west proud! Go, Calgary, go!

Here are a couple of favourite recipes sure to please any party crowd.

Joanne Smith is a registered dietitian.

Veggie Pizza

2 packages crescent rolls

1 clove minced garlic

1 – 8 oz package cream cheese

2 tsp mayonnaise

1 tsp dill weed

Salt and pepper to taste

2-3 cups finely chopped veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms, onion, tomatoes, bell peppers)

2-3 cups shredded cheese

Arrange crescent roll pieces into a circle on a pizza pan Bake at 375 F oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool minimum 30 minutes.

Mix together garlic, cream cheese, mayonnaise, dill weed and salt and pepper. Spread this evenly onto cooled crust.

Sprinkle chopped veggies evenly over cream cheese mixture. Top this with an even layer of shredded cheese.

Cut into small squares and serve on platter. They won’t last long!

And of course no party would be complete without our classic family favorite:

Warm Salsa Bean Dip

1 can refried beans

1-8 oz package cream cheese

2 -3 cups salsa

2-3 cups grated cheddar cheese

Spread refried beans evenly in the bottom of a round flan pan or a 9×13 pan.

Whip cream cheese until light and fluffy. Spread as evenly as possible over refried beans.

Top with a layer of salsa then a layer of grated cheese.

Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until bubbling on top. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

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