The Miami Hurricanes are back in action after what will be a 21-day hiatus. Before we get into the Food and Drink for this game, I want to say that my heart goes out to all those impacted by Hurricane Irma and my family's thoughts and prayers are with you all. Despite not living in Florida anymore, I know the recovery process will be long and hard as we are also in the midst of recovery from Harvey here in Houston. But as Coach Manny Diaz stated, this Saturday is more than a game, it's a time to build community at Hard Rock Stadium or wherever you're able to watch with other Hurricane fans. So grab a drink and some food and get ready as our Canes take on the University of Toledo at 3:30 ET.
Saturday is not just about football, it's a chance to get together as a community. pic.twitter.com/EZfO1N7puI
— Canes Football (@CanesFootball) September 20, 2017
A little background. Toledo is one of the northern most cities in Ohio on the coast of Lake Erie, 70 miles south of Detroit. The once private arts and trade school that was established in 1872, is now one of 14 state universities in Ohio with an enrollment of 23,000 students. Their athletic department is part of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and goes by the name “Rockets”. Their Mascot couple go by the name Rocky and Rocksy the Rocket.
Food:
Unlike the first game, the inspiration for the “Game Meal” is based solely on Toledo’s team name, Rockets. I love rockets and everything space, it’s literally my job. However, when I think of rockets and food there is only one thing that comes to mind and that is “firecracker”. This is the name of cooking technique that adds a little kick to any food. For this week’s tailgate, add some Firecracker Shrimp to your menu to represent Toledo.
Drink:
For the signature drink we are going to combine inspirations from Ohio’s state nickname (not the school) and the state tree, the buckeye. Simply put, a buckeye is just a nut. Which makes sense because who in their right mind would want to go to school and play football in middle of nowhere Ohio, when there is a school in “paradise”? But, I digress. For the nut element we are going to use Amaretto liqueur which has an almond flavor and for the rocket element we are going to use what makes rockets go, fuel and fire. Our fuel will be 151 proof rum. When you combine these elements with a pale lager beer, you get a “Flaming Dr. Pepper”. Note, from personal experience, don’t use plastics cups or a shot glass for this drink as they don’t mix well with fire.
"Flaming Dr. Pepper" 5,4,3,2,1 LIFTOFF pic.twitter.com/0rodKlWeVq
— D Hutchins (@outer_space_dad) September 20, 2017
Be safe Canes Family and drink responsibly! For full recipes of Firecracker Shrimp and Flaming Dr. Pepper see “2017 Hurricanes’ Cooking Guide”