Saturdays

Saturdays around our house usually mean a little work being done on the house, an errand here or there and a movie at night--just a laid back day.

Saturdays in the fall are a totally different story. Mike and I began dating in the spring so I had no idea what September would bring until after the engagement ring was on my finger. To my surprise, it's not about going to the park for the day, or shopping....it's about SEC football, BBQ and the remote control.

I am originally from Ohio so growing up I knew about teams in the "Big Ten," teams like Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State. When I married Mike, the SEC came into my life. There is a whole institution that comes along with marrying a southern boy. "War Eagle" was now something that was shouted out to someone across the parking lot if they had an Auburn sticker on their car. "Do you think Kodi Burns got a fair shake at being quarterback?" and "What do you think about Tony Franklin's new offense?" are now questions that are asked..even to me, someone who knows very little about football. I have to admit though, it's growing on me. I don't break out my Auburn hat like Mike does though.

Notice the sweat stains on the hat. Nice. He has another Auburn hat, but when I asked him why he doesn't wear it he says, "I don't want to dirty it up." Ahh, the feminine side comes out. He also has a game he plays with his good friend Jon; they whistle the fight songs of the teams and try to guess which team it is.

I think one of the reasons it's growing on me is that I get to make a "game day meal" or should I say "game day snacks." Mike always mans the smoker. To pull off game day ribs, you have to start the smoker at 9:00am and they aren't ready until dinner.

And I make the dips. Today I am making "The Very Best Onion Dip". Christy, posted the recipe last month. YUM! I am also making Hot Reuben Dip. This is one of our family's favorites, especially my niece Jessica.

Hot Reuben Dip

1 package softened cream cheese

1.5 cups shredded Swiss cheese

1/2 cup Thousand Island Dressing

4 oz. corned beef

1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix cream cheese, 1 cup Swiss, dressing and beef. Spread in pie plate. Top with sauerkraut and 1/2 cup Swiss. Bake 15 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with cocktail rye bread, rye crackers or pretzel crackers.

Out of allegiance to my childhood, I'm obligated to say, "Go Buckeyes!" But now that I'm married to an Alabama boy and I live in the south, I'm proud to say, "War Eagle!"

Have a good game day!