Hoosier Home Cookin'

With the recent successes of both the Colts and the Boilermakers, it's definitely a great time for Indiana tailgating. Tasty Tailgate Burgers can be packed in foil and baked right on the grill. For a great dipper, make one of my family favorites - Mississippi Sin. You just can't go wrong with Hawaiian Bread and Velveeta! Enjoy sweet endings with slices of Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake. This simple recipe stays moist and is great for making ahead.

Next week: more tailgating favorites. Happy eating!

Tasty Tailgate Burgers

1 lb. ground chuck
1/2 C. celery, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped

1/2 C. ketchup
1 T.Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 C. shredded cheddar cheese
4 hamburger buns
mayonnaise

Cook beef until lightly browned, stirring constantly. Drain well. Add next 7 ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cheese. Spoon mixture onto bottom halves of buns. Spread mayonnaise on cut sides of top halves of buns. Place bun tops on beef mixture. Individually wrap hamburgers in aluminum foil and bake at 300 degrees or grill on the top rack for 20 minutes. Note: this recipe can be easily doubled, or to make the burgers snack size, use mini buns or rolls.

Mississippi Sin

1 round loaf Hawaiian Bread
1 1/2 C. sour cream
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese
2 C. Velveeta cheese, shredded
1 small can mild green chiles,
drained and chopped
1/2 C. ham, finely chopped

2 small green onions, minced
dash Worcestershire sauce

Cut a "lid" off top of Hawaiian bread, then carefully remove interior, cutting in chunks and setting aside. Mix remaining ingredients and place in hollowed bread bowl. Replace bread top and wrap well in foil. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Serve hot with bread chunks, veggies and tortilla chips.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1 box butter recipe yellow cake mix
1 carton soft strawberry cream
cheese
3 eggs
1/3 C. oil
1/3 C. water
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bundt or tube pan with nonstick cooking spray. Blend all ingredients and mix on medium speed for three to four minutes. Pour immediately into pan. Bake one hour. Cool 15 minutes before inverting cake on plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.