Super Bowl Snack Thrown Down the winner is...

It was a great Super Bowl. The Who Dat Nation played their hearts out against the favored Colts. The underdogs seemed to have an advantage today.

Like the teams one the field, we have the final two competitors fighting it out in the Highlowaha.com Super Bowl Snack Throw Down. The heavily favored Kate from www.goodiesbykate.blogspot.com versus the underdog, Ray from www.highlowaha.com.

First the two dishes. Kate's recipe was the Fantasy Frito Candy. This recipe was simple and sweet. While we didn't use a crockpot to melt the chocolate chips (we used a double broiler, which is easier to clean then our crockpot), the recipe was quick and easy to make. While making this recipe, I could see how it can be easily adapted to your favorite cereal (i.e. rice cripspies) or ingredient (half butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips). Don't be afraid to try this recipe. If you can make rice crispy treats, you too can make these fantasy bars. It's also a great idea to make with your kids (but don't let them play with hot items, please). This quick and easy recipe is a good go to item when you need something to bring to a party and don't know what to bring. Sure to be a hit with the kids.

Second up is Ray's Two Bean Lettuce Raps. We gave Ray some props for offering a meat and non-meat option (always good to look out for those vegetarians in the crowd). We prepared all the ingredients, which was mainly opening cans and bags (too hard Ray, Matt has a bum wrist), and mixed them in a large bowl. Although we could have prepared the wraps without meat, Matt wouldn't have it. He's a meat guy if you didn't know.

With snacks in hand, we headed to the Vallaha lounge (a silly Vikings fan's house because he swore that the Vikings would be in the Super Bowl, we knew that he would be wrong - of course, but we let him have the party away).

With all the usual suspects of Struble Suds on a road trip up the street, we dug into the Fantasy Frito Candy and Two Bean Letttuce Wraps. The debate was torrid. Some people were stern, there should be no lettuce at a Super Bowl party - who needs any stupid fiber. Others said, candy, I don't want any candy, give me more meat.

The biggest group that was adament on a winner - kids. They only wanted Fantasy Frito Candy. Hands down a kid favorite.

In the end though, Two Bean Lettuce Wraps proved to be too much for the Fantasy Frito Candy with adults out voting the kids. The meat, cheese and crunch of the two bean lettuce wraps won over the crowd.

Like the underdog Saints, Ray pulled out a late victory. What can we say, it was a day for the underdogs.

Kate, your recipes throughout the competition were delicious. We thank you for your participation in the Super Bowl Snack Throw Down. It was a great season for everyone who participated. Who knows what next year will hold.

And the final playoff round goes to.....

It's the end of the playoffs. We're awaiting the end of the Vikings/Saint game, but we have a winner in this week's HighLowAha.com Super Bowl Snack Thrown.

It was a big week in Struble Suds. Today was our Digiorno Pizza Party. Thanks House Party for all the wonderful Digiorno pizza.

To complement our pizza party, the secret ingredient of the day was kielbasa. Kielbasa is a great football food. It can be use as an appetizer or a main ingredient. Our two competitors entered two appetizers.

First up was Kate's Inside Pocket Sausages. The idea of a mustard bar for the kielbasa wrapped in pastry was popular. Overall everyone like these little sausage pockets.

Second up was Lauren's kielbasa bites. These great little bites are simple to prepare. Who would have thought simmering in ginger ale would create glazed kielbasa goodness. Very original recipe.

So who was the Struble Suds favorite of the week - Lauren's kielbasa bites won over the crowd. Everyone was intrigued by the ginger ale recipe and we are looking forward to trying this idea at our next gathering.

We've listed the super easy recipe below for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks again to Lauren and Kate for all the great recipes this season. Well done ladies and good luck in the Final Super Bowl.

Kielbasa Bites

Ingredients

• 1 package kielbasa
• 1 12oz can ginger ale

Chop the kielbasa into 1/2" slices. Place in a medium to large skillet and pour the ginger ale over the top. Bring to a slow boil and then simmer until brown and caramelized and all liquid is gone, stirring occasionally - about 45 minutes to an hour.

Playoff week 2 and the votes are in - NACHOS

The second week's secret ingredient was barbecue sauce. BBQ sauce is a staple in our house and frequently shows up in the bar. We were looking forward to what Kate and Lauren would cook-up in this week's recipes.

Lauren submitted Mesquite Chicken Pizza Sticks. This combination of chicken, peppers, sauce and pizza dough was very temping. The dipping part won over the little ones. What kid, little or big, doesn't love to dip sauces. The big Struble would have liked a little more kick to put it over the top.

Kate's recipe was Bowl Game BBQ Nachos. Nachos are always a popular choice. The ease of this recipe and the ability to prepare the chicken ahead of time was a big hit with the moms in the audience. If we were making this recipe we might substitute Italian dressing for something with a little more punch. Since we're spicy people, a few jalapenos or serranos might be added to our version.

But the winner for BBQ Sauce week is KATE! Congrats Kate! Below is her recipe that is on Goodies by Kate.

Check in next week for the final week of the HighLowAha playoffs.

Also, Struble Suds will be hosting a Digiorno Game Day Believer Party. Thanks to Digiorno and House Party for providing us with some great pizza.

Bowl Game BBQ Nachos by Goodies by Kate

INGREDIENTS

1. 6 frozen skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
   
2. 1 (12 oz ) bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce. We prefer Sweet Baby Rays
   
3. 1/2 cup Italian dressing
   
4. 1/4 cup brown sugar
   
5. 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
   
6. 1 bag Tostitos Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
   
7. 1 jar Tostitos Monterray Jack Queso Cheese Dip
   
8. 2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
   

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the frozen chicken in the crock pot.
   
2. In a different bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
   
3. Pour over the chicken and cover. Cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
   
4. With about 1 hour left, pull each breast out, shred it with a fork, and put it back in the crock pot.
   
5. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
   
6. Lay the blue corn chips in a single layer on a cookie sheet
   
7. Lightly cover the chips with the shredded chicken barbecue
   
8. Drizzle the queso dip evenly over the chips. I didn't use the whole jar, but use as much as you like to achieve your desired cheesiness!
   
9. Sprinkle with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
   
10. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes at 400 degrees.

And the winner is....

So we're coming to the end of the Highlowaha Super Bowl Snack Throw Down.

It's playoff time and while the Packers' season has come to an end, we're still voting on the best snack of the week.

This week the secret ingredient was Worcestershire, a very versatile ingredient. Competing recipes were Kate's Drop Kick Dip and Lauren's Crockpot Sloppy Joeys.

And the winner is.... Kate's Drop Kick Dip. Who doesn't like a good dip!

Check back next week for the second play-off round.

Below is Kate's recipe in case you're looking for a good snack for next week's playoff games.

Drop Kick Dip

INGREDIENTS

• 8 0z pkg cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 medium vidalia onion, very finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Tobasco sauce (feel free to add more if you like it HOT!)
  
• Milk
  

DIRECTIONS

• Cream the cream cheese until smooth
• Add in the onion, Worcestershire sauce and Tobasco sauce
• Add milk 1 Tbsp at a time, depending on how creamy you like your dip
• Dip your favorite chip or even veggie and enjoy! We prefer Ruffles, Fritos Scoops, pretzels and carrots

Mattoberfest 2009

Mattoberfest 2009 is over. It was another great success. Lots of fun, food, and no rain.
Thanks for everyone who came.

Packers Win Big!!

It was the first game of the regular season and the Packers pulled out a tremedous victory.

It was also the first tailgate of the season for Struble Suds. In conjunction with HighLowAha.com we sponsored a charity event for the Gift of 218. It was a very successful event which raised $307.25.

Thanks to all those who participated. We're looking forward to a great Packer Season!!

Comcast Ultimate Office Tailgate Sweepstakes

Want to have a Struble Suds worth tailgating experience.
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Comcast Ultimate Office Tailgate Sweepstakes

Comcast Ultimate Office Tailgate Sweepstakes

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Super Bowl Snack Throw Down - the Finale...

Tonight was the finale of the Super Bowl Snack Throw Down. East vs. West, Maureen vs. Lori. Onion vs. Onion...


There was no crying in this battle. Two valiant competitors met in Struble Suds. With the large crowd gathered to enjoy the final battle of the season, everyone eagerly anticipated the two entries for battle onion.

Maureen's entry was an onion dip. It consisted of caramelized onions, sour cream, cream cheese and mayonnaise. Lori's entry was salsa, with chili peppers and her special seasonings.


When the patrons of Struble Suds had to vote - it caused much debate. Some flip flopping, discussing, but when pressed to make a definite descission - the winner - SALSA, with a vote of 16-4.


So are big winner of the year is LORI. Congrats to Lori and all her tasty recipes through out the year. Also, your AZ Cardinals almost pulled it out too.



Thank you to all those who participated in this year's Super Bowl Snack Throw Down. We at Struble Suds greatly appreciate all your efforts and tasty treats that we received every week. We know that it took a great deal of effort on your part. So thank you from us at Struble Suds and all our loyal friends and family who joined us this past football season.


See you on Sept 10, 2009 for the first Packer Game of the 90th season of the National Football League. GO PACK GO!!!

Maureen's Tabasco dip makes her a finalist

On yet another cold, snowy day at Struble Suds we opened our stomachs to another Super Bowl Snack Throw Down. And the winner is Maureen - by a landslide (hers was the only time entry).

Maureen's snack was fiery Tabasco dip. It consisted of Velveeta, mayo, horseradish and of course - TABASCO. It was definitely spicy - just how we like it at Struble Suds.

It was a big day in the Struble House - while shopping for a few ingredients, we got to visit the Oscar Mayer Wiener Mobile - let's all sing the jingle. "I wish I was a......" Yes, we sang and wiener aerobics on our way to weeny whistles. Everyone say Cheesy Weeny!

Next up Feb 1 - the FINAL Super Bowl Snack Throw Down. It's Maureen vs. Lori. May the best snack win.

If you haven't voted on your secret ingredient - please send it to www.highlowaha.com by 8 pm tonight.

Honey & Oats make the Struble Suds sweet tooth happy

This weekend, while the snow fell, Struble Suds got four great snacks for the Super Bowl Snack Throw Down.


First up was Ray vs Lori in secret ingredient HONEY. What happened - Lori's Gobble Up Granola devoured Ray's Honey Chex Mix. Sorry Ray, but your honey/Worcestershire mix wasn't up to Lori's honey, chewy granola bars. And, thanks Lori for making both nut and non-nut versions of your granola. The granola bars were sweet with tastes of peanut butter, chocolate chips, and pecans. Yummy! It was fitting that the Arizona entrant won with her Arizona Cardinals pulling off the big upset too! Maybe we'll have 2 Arizonans in the Super Bowl. Congrats Lori- you're our first Super Bowl Finalist.


Second was secret ingredient oats, which was Melanie vs. Susan. Melanie's entry was a peanut butter ball cookie with oats and corn flakes. Susan countered with Champion Chocolate Chewies, which were chocolate, caramel, pecan squares. This competition went back and forth with the Tourlas family breaking the tie. The winner - MELANIE. Your peanut butter cookies win you a show down with Maureen next week in secret ingredient Tabasco.

Who's up to facing Lori in the finals?? Maureen - Melanie.... good luck this week. We're looking forward to another exciting competition.

Nacho Popcorn is Parmesan Cheese FANTASTIC

This week in the second round of the Super Bowl Snack Throw Down we had Maureen's entry for battle Parmesan cheese.

Although Maureen was our only entrant, it didn't matter.

MAUREEN IS SUPREME!!

Her nacho cheese popcorn was a huge hit.



This week we took a side trip to Master Captain Russ Haack's helm. Before leaving Struble Suds, Matt prepared Maureen's entry. As with any good cook, we sampled the food. Nacho Popcorn was delicious. We decided to make a double batch. Our method of tossing was unique (clean garbage bad was very helpful with the large quantity).

We definitely needed the extra popcorn. It was all eaten.

The nacho popcorn was spicy and cheesy. A perfect mix and great with beer. Nothing better to snack on while watching the Viqueens LOSE. No skol for those in purple. Just a ticket home.
Overall, Maureen's nacho popcorn was definitely one of, if not, the best snack we've had.

Congrats Maureen and good luck in the next round.

We're looking forward to this week's competition with ingredients Quaker Oats and honey. What will be sent??? We can't wait to see.

It.s yellow, it's spreadable, we all love MUSTARD

Hello everyone - we're here to announce the winner in this week's Highlowaha.com Super Bowl Snack Competition. This week's secret ingredient was MUSTARD. Who doesn't love mustard. There's so much you can do with it.

Struble Suds opened it's doors to some special attendees this week. The annual Haack Christmas party was this weekend. We allowed Chris, the MN Viking fan, to come visit. For a Minnesota guy he's really nice - too bad he likes the wrong team. Also sharing in the fun today were the Tourlas, Laskowski, and Poole families.

This week we had two competitors - Lori and Cheryl.

First up was Cheryl's pig in a blanket with mustard. Cheryl sent us some East Island mustard. A very popular item from WISCONSIN. Well known by this cheesehead crowd. During football season who can't resist those little wienies. A sure fire hit.

Second up was Lori with her mustard dip. This multi-purpose dip ingredients included mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dip, horseradish and, of course, MUSTARD. Lori provided pretzels to use for dipping, but we found you could dip anything in this mustard creation - chips, crackers, even Cheryl's pig in a blanket, you name it. Also, it was all agreed that it would make a good sandwich spread.

In the end, if everyone had to pick a mustard winner - it was.... Lori. Congrats Lori on your win.
Also, thanks to Lori for her Arizona trivia that was included in her box. We now know several facts about AZ State University, Saguaros, and the state of Arizona. Also, just to make Lori feel guilty - the high today in Chicago is going to be 24 (not even close to the AZ temps).


Thanks again to all our Highlowaha.com Super Bowl Competition entrants. Today ended the fir round. Check back on Dec 30 for round #2. What will the secret ingredient be??? Send us a notest with your suggestions.

On a side note - the maple truffles have not arrived - the Struble boys have been keeping a diligent vigil for them.

Maple Syrup had a hands down winner

While the Packers suffered a sad end to the game today ( a gut wrenching loss to Carolina in the final minutes), the Super Bowl battle had an unanimous winner - Susan. *


Susan's entry was a Packer Granola. It had slivered almonds, walnuts, raisins, pecans, oats, and of course MAPLE SYRUP. It even came in a green container - good job pandering to the Packer crowd.

One of our regulars, Andy, labeled this Super Bowl entry as his personal favorite of all time.

Matt commented that this granola would also be good for breakfast (with a little milk in the bowl). I think that Matt might have some tomorrow morning after he does snow removal (an expected 3-8 inches in the Chicagoland area).

Congrats to Susan, our Maple Syrup victor.

Until next time and the next super bowl battle....

*unfortunately Heather's entry for the Maple Syrup Super Bowl did not arrive in time for Sunday's game. We'll provide additional updates as they become available.

And... The Strubles successfully put up 4 Christmas trees this weekend. While they aren't all decorated, they are up (below, the 10ft tree)

With the secret ingredient peanut, great chefs think alike

It was another successful day at Struble Suds. Not only did the Green Bay Packers pummel the Chicago Bears (37-3), we had to fantastic entries to our Super Bowl competition. While both competitors entered chex mix creations, one bowl reigned supreme.



First up was Treye's dish. His chex mix inspired creation was sticky and sweet. The subtle hint of cinnamon and honey was to die for. The salty and sweet combo is always a hit with this crowd.

Second up was Melanie's Packers Chex Mix. This version was her grandfather's recipe. The spicy kick to her mix was great. Not to mention the yellow & green m&ms were very festive. Go Packers - yes we're suckers for the green & gold, beer, and cheese. What Packer fan wouldn't be.

So super Packer fan Kevin announces that the winner of secret ingredient peanut is MELANIE. You're Struble Suds koozie is on it's way.

So until next time .... up, up and away

The verdict's in...

Congrats to Maureen. She is our winner of battle nutmeg.

Yet another super close battle. We're all so impressed by every week's entrants. Again, only a few votes separated the two. It's so difficult for us to determine a winner when we win with all the great snacks that you generously send us.

This was a very busy weekend for Struble Suds. We would like to congratulate Sara & Anand. Saturday we celebrated their wedding. On Sunday we had a large gathering with Haack family and their out of town family, the Tourlas', the Finn family and Packer super fan Pat. While we all were a little slow (thanks to the father of the bride, Russ, who was a wonderful host on Saturday), the entrants for battle nutmeg were just what the doctor ordered.



Our two contestants supplied us with cookies.
First up was Katie's football cookies, which were decorated in Packer green and shaped like little footballs. Perfect for our football fanatics. Big Matt and William chose these cookies as their favorite. These were a good blend of spice and sweet. Good job Katie. All your effort was greatly appreciated.

Second up was Maureen's cookies, which came in two varieties - nut and non-nut. While there are no allergy issues in the crowd, my friend Liz is partial to non-nut cookies. Thanks for both bags. These cookies were full of chocolate chips - perfect compliment to the Italian beef dinner. I think that the chocolate chips and the super large size swayed a few voters.



Also a special thanks to Maureen who sent a Halloween treat for the kids. All of them enjoyed making the Halloween necklaces. It was very much appreciated. (no this didn't influence the vote - only Matt & I know the entrants)

Thanks again Katie & Maureen. You're prizes will be in the mail this week.
And to all the highlowaha readers out there, we are so grateful for your kindness and willingness to join our football craziness. Anytime you would like to stop by we'll have a barstool open and a glass ready for you.

Looking forward to our next battle.

Stadium Bars take battle Vanilla

Hello Struble Suds patrons. Sorry that this post is a little late today.
Yesterday we had another successful Super Bowl Battle. It was Julie's Orange Bruise vs. Nicole's Stadium Bars. Both used vanilla very well and actually paired well with each other. The Haacks, Finns, Laskowskis, and Strubles were in attendance.
First up was Julie's Orange Bruise. It is a drink made of dark soda (we used Coke), orange vodka and vanilla. A very good combination. Plus, there was a good story with this "bowl" item. Julie learned that you can't send liquor in the mail. No worries, Matt stopped by our local store and we were good to go. Personally, I really liked the Orange Bruise - maybe that's why this post is a little late today.


The second competitor was Nicole and her Stadium Bars. These were made of brownie, popcorn, peanuts and chocolate chips. All of the ingredients were soaked in vanilla. Super yummy. Kevin had a plate to himself.

So by a narrow margin... Nicole was the winner. We'll be sending you the official Struble Suds/Super Bowl competition weekly prize in the next couple of days.

Thanks again to Julie & Nicole. We all were very impressed with your entries. It made the Packer loss a little more tolerable by having your special treats.

And if your in the neighborhood, stop by on Nov 9 for the Second annual Struble Suds Chili cook-off.

Mattoberfest 2008

Mattoberfest 2008 was a huge success. Lots of sausage, beer and Strublehosen.

We had lots of fun with the Cornhole tournament too - Troy Wilson was the winner.

Check back at www.strublesuds.com for more pictures of the event.

Prizes, Mattoberfest and more

First - the official weekly prize for the Super Bowl Competition in conjunction with www.highlowaha.com has arrived.

Richard & Tera your prizes were mailed today. So keep a look-out for them. Thanks for your great entries.

Also, tomorrow is the annual Mattoberfest and first annual Struble Suds Cornhole Tournament. Get ready everyone. What does Matt have in store for this big bash. Check back with us for all the pictures and action. We'll put some pictures here and more on www.strublesuds.com.

And finally, today was the day to vote for the next Super Bowl Competition secret ingredient - mustard or vanilla. Did you vote?

And the winner is....

So the votes are in - it was a very, very close battle. But by a slight margin ... Tera is the winner of battle garlic.

Tera submitted a garlic pretzel bits & dip dish. The pretzels were very flavorful and super crunchy. Many women were going back for seconds and thirds - no worries about garlic breath in the crowd. Everyone wondered how Tera got her pretzels so crunchy - Tera what is your secret?

Stacie's snack was garlic oyster crackers. These were great too - especially when eaten by the handful, as many loyalists did. The lemon & dill flavors really added a special touch. Matthew & Sophie were big fans of the oyster crackers. Stacie provided extra seasoning packets too - Matthew's excited to have a new afternoon snack this week.

Also - a special thanks to Tera - who had a very creative box. Matthew & William were very excited to see the Packer/Struble Suds decorated box. Although the decoration did not influence the judges - it was very thoughtful and greatly appreciated by the Struble household.

Did I mention that today was the first Struble Suds tailgate of the season!!!
Yes, we gathered outside on a beautiful afternoon before the start of the Packer game. Besides our delicious garlic snacks, we had brats, sausage, beans, pasta salad - and beverages too. Some even practiced cornhole for next week's Struble Suds Cornhole tournament.

Thanks everyone for a great football day. And a special thanks to Tera and Stacie. Job well done Super Bowl Contestants. You can feed us anytime.