NBA Survival Guide: 6 NBA Game Day Recipes

Basketball season is in full effect ladies, and while some of us may loath our men inviting their friends over to cheer on their fave teams—we love making a good impression for the fellas. Skip the drag of waiting on delivery to arrive with a couple easy-to-make recipes that will win over your partner and his buds. Jump the page and get started!

Photo Credit: Hellobeautiful.com

Southern Fry Chicken

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 8)
Coarse salt and pepper
1 clove garlic, minced and crushed into a paste with the flat side of a chef’s knife
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/3 cup peanut oil, plus more if needed

STEP 1
Season chicken with coarse salt and pepper, then rub with garlic. Let sit 15 minutes. In a large zip-top bag, combine flour, paprika, cayenne, and fine salt. In batches, add chicken and shake well until evenly coated. If you have time, let chicken sit 15 minutes.
STEP 2
In a 10-inch heavy skillet, heat oil over medium until it reaches 365 degrees. The oil is ready when a little flour dropped in bubbles and sizzles steadily.
STEP 3
Shake excess flour off a piece of chicken, then carefully place in oil, skin side down. Repeat, adding just a few more pieces to skillet (do not crowd pan). Adjust heat to keep a steady sizzle and maintain 365 degrees. Cover and cook until chicken is browned on bottom, about 7 minutes. Carefully flip each piece, then cover and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 8 minutes.
STEP 4
Drain chicken on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken, replenishing and reheating oil between batches, if necessary.

Photo Credit: Bryan Gardener
Recipe Source: Everyday Food/ Martha Stewart

Hot Pizza Dip

INGREDIENTS
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup pizza sauce
2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
2 ounces pepperoni sausage, chopped
2 tablespoons sliced black olives

STEP 1
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, oregano, parsley, and basil.
STEP 2
Spread mixture in the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate, or a shallow microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese on top of the cream cheese mixture. Spread the pizza sauce over all. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, then top with green pepper, pepperoni and olive slices. Cover, and microwave for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Photo Credit: Allrecipes.com
Recipe Source: Allrecipes.com

Champagne Punch

INGREDIENTS
1 can (20-ounce) crushed pineapple in heavy syrup
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup maraschino cherry juice
1 cup dark rum
1/2 cup brandy
1 bottle (750 ml) chilled inexpensive brut Champagne

STEP 1
In a large punch bowl or pitcher, stir pineapple, lemon juice, cherry juice, rum, and brandy to blend. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Add Champagne just before serving.

Photo Credit: Food Network
Recipe Source: Food Network

Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Dip

INGREDIENTS
1 can (14 oz.) fat-free sweetened condensed milk
8 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 cup fat free milk, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds, toasted (optional)
Keebler Town House Flipsides Original crackers

STEP 1
1. In small heavy saucepan cook and stir condensed milk, chocolate, corn syrup and 1/4 cup of the milk over low heat until chocolate melts. Gradually stir in enough of the remaining 1/4 cup milk until dip is of desired consistency.
STEP 2
2. Stir in vanilla. Add nuts (if desired), stirring until combined. Serve warm with Keebler Town House Fipsides original crackers.

Photo Credit: Snackpicks.com
Recipe Source: Snackpicks.com

Meatball Pizza

INGREDIENTS
1 prebaked 12-inch pizza crust
1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, halved and sliced
12 frozen fully cooked homestyle meatballs (1/2 ounce each) , thawed and halved
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

STEP 1
Place the crust on an ungreased 12-in. pizza pan. Spread with pizza sauce; top with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and onion. Arrange the meatball halves over top; sprinkle with cheeses.
STEP 2
Bake at 350° for 12-17 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Yield: 6-8 slices.

Photo Credit: Taste of Home
Recipe Source: Taste of Home

Cajun Lemonade