A football feast

January is a big month for football fans. The college season wraps up Jan. 7 when defending champ Alabama takes on Alabama in the Discover BCS National Championship. The NFL playoffs kick off on Jan. 5 with wild card games.

Even if you aren't a football fan, a big game is a great excuse to invite friends over and pig out while you watch some pigskin. We've put together some classic tailgate recipes that will taste just as good on your couch!

__Jerk Chicken Wings__

Wings and football are a perfect pair. These spicy jerk wings can be made in the oven or cooked on a grill.

__Ingredients:__

12 scallions, tops and bottoms trimmed, chopped 8 garlic cloves 4 dried bay leaves 1 habanero or 2 jalapeno chiles, chopped (adjust amount to your heat preference) 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, leaves 4 teaspoons ground allspice Coarse salt and ground pepper 6 pounds chicken wings, cut in half at joint

__Directions:__

In a food processor, pulse scallions, garlic, bay leaves, habanero, vinegar, thyme, allspice, 1 tablespoon salt and 2 tablespoons pepper until coarsely ground. In a large shallow dish, toss chicken with jerk mixture and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to 1 day). Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange chicken on foil-lined rimmed baking sheets and cook until browned, 35 to 40 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through.

To grill the wings, cook over medium, covered, until cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally (lower heat if wings are getting too charred).

Source: marthastewart.com

__Blue cheese dip__

Because you can't have wings without blue cheese. Serve alongside some carrot and celery sticks to make you and your buddies feel a little healthier.

__Ingredients:__

1/2 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese

__Directions:__

In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and salt. Stir in blue cheese. Chill, covered, until ready to serve.

Source: marthastewart.com

__Taco cups__

Portable and bite-size -- two good qualites in a food to snack on during the game. But don't limit yourself to taco fillings: try them with spinach-artichoke dip, sausage and cheese, or tomatoes, basil and mozzarella.

__Ingredients:__

1 pound ground beef Taco seasoning Shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese Wonton wrappers (found near the tofu in the produce section) Sour cream Salsa

__Directions:__

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brown ground beef and add taco seasoning. Place wonton wrappers in mini muffin pan cups. Add a spoonful of taco meat to each one, topping with a sprinkle fo shredded cheese. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. In a small bowl, mix together equal parts sour cream and salsa. Before serving, top each taco cup with dollop of sour cream-salsa mixture.

Source: Heather Collier

__Mississippi sin dip__

The blogger who posted this recipe says this dip is good hot or cold. She also says she doesn't think the bread bowl is necessary to the success of the dish; so if you don't have a French loaf handy, a baking dish will work just fine.

__Ingredients:__

16 ounces sour cream 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 cup chopped ham 1 green onion, chopped 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce salt pepper 16 ounce French bread loaf

__Directions:__

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, except French bread; stirring until well blended.

Cut a thin slice from top of bread loaf; set slice aside. Using a gentle sawing motion, cut vertically to, but not through, bottom of the loaf, 1/2 inch from the edge, to cut out center of bread. Lift out center of loaf. Fill hollowed bread loaf with the dip. Wrap loaf with foil.

Bake dip at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serve with reserved bread cubes, crackers or potato chips.

Source: www.plainchicken.com

__Bloody mary__

Even if you're watching from the comfort of your home, a bloody mary is a tailgating classic. Skip the vodka for a non-alcholic version.

__Ingredients:__

1 1/4 cups vodka 2 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon hot sauce 1 (46-ounce) can tomato juice 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish 1/3 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

__Directions:__

Combine ingredients in a pitcher; stir. Serve over ice. Garnish with celery sticks, pickle spears and lime wedges if desired.

Source: myrecipes.com