Projo Football Food and Spirits

This simmering berry-and-apple drink was created by Land O Lakes for a Halloween gathering but I think it sounds like a great tailgating drink for this weekend's game between the Patriots and Redskins. Don't forget the hot cups!

HOT BUTTERED CRANBERRY CIDER
5 cups apple cider or apple juice
4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons honey
Cinnamon sticks, if desired

Combine apple cider, cranberry juice cocktail and cinnamon stick in 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil (8 to 10 minutes). Continue cooking until heated through and flavors are blended (8 to 10 minutes).

Remove from heat. Remove cinnamon stick; discard. Add butter and honey; stir until butter melts.

To serve, ladle into heated mugs. Garnish with cinnamon stick, if desired.

Preparation time: 10 min
Cooking time: 16 min
Yield: 8 (1-cup) servings

I don't know about you but I adore growlers - half gallon bottles of beer filled from the tap at breweries. They are fresh and easy to drink. And what's better than seasonal brews. So here's a match made in heaven

Buzzards Bay Brewing has introduced a new Oktoberfest beer. It has Munich malt and Hallertauer hops and is malty and clean with a spicy hop note finish. It is available in growlers at the brewery and in 12-ounce bottles at stores.

The Brewery, at 98 Horseneck Rd., Westport, Mass., (508) 636-2288, is open Friday-Sunday. The hours are Friday: 1 to 5 p.m. for tastings and growler fills; Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for tastings and growler fills and tours at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m. for tastings and growler fills.

6 cups cold water
1/2 cup peeled and roughly chopped fresh ginger
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Ice

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add ginger and honey. Cover pan and remove from heat. Let mixture steep 30 minutes. Strain the mixture through a sieve into a 2-quart pitcher, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon. Stir in remaining 4 cups of water, lemon juice and orange juice. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours. Pour over ice and serve. Serves 4-6.

From ESPN GameDay Gourmet. by Pableaux Johnson