Tailgait Dinner Party and U2 Concert
I can still hear the sounds of the concert buzzing through my head today, the morning after we went with friends to see U2 in Charlottesville…
“It’s not a hill it’s a mountain” from” I’ll go crazy if I don’t go crazy tonight”—Bono’s voice and The Edge still crisp in my ears…
Before the concert began we set up a tailgait dinner party, which we have done in the past, and I have to say that these supper club “field trips” are some of the best evenings we’ve had together. With a few hours before the concert started, we enjoyed a few glasses of wine and had a picnic dinner before heading in to the show.
The evenings are beginning to feel more like fall–the air has a little bit of a chill, and the sun sits a little lower these days. It was a beautiful night to enjoy good food with friends.
Toasted Cashews with Rosemary and Shallots
—-I like to make these during the fall, and especially around the holidays when you want a little something to put in a bowl for nibbling when friends stop by.
5 cups cashews
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 small shallots, peeled
3 cloves garlic, peeled, sliced thin
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon Kosher salt
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread cashews out in a single layer on large baking sheet. Toast until the nuts are golden and fragrant, 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a large bowl, and set aside. Thinly slice shallots crosswise and separate into rings. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic; fry until golden, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the shallots and garlic to paper towel lined plate; set aside.
Add melted butter, shallots, garlic, rosemary, cayenne, brown sugar, and salt to bowl with toasted cashews, tossing well to coat with mixture. Serve warm, or at room temperature.
Makes 5 cups
Turkey, Arugula, Red Onion Jam, and Blue Cheese Sandwiches
Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 tablespoon minced shallots
1 clove garlic, mined
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspon pepper
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
8 small crusty rolls, sliced in half
1 pound oven roasted turkey breast, thinly sliced
2 cups arugula leaves
3 ounces blue cheese (I’m a big fan of Point Reyes blue), crumbled
3/4 cup red onion jam
Open sandwich roll and place 2-3 slices of turkey on bottom half of roll. Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the red onion jam over the turkey. Add a few leaves of arugula, sprinkle with blue cheese, and add a drizzle of dressing.
8 servings
Off to the concert—-and what a show it was! We sat in the red zone, inner circle surrounding the stage. —Proceeds from these tickets go to U2 endorsed charities–definitely worth the price of admission, and feels good to know our enjoyment of the concert helped those in need.
For a look at last night’s show, visit thie link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZpUTeDfLN8&feature=youtube_gdata
Lucky you! I would love to see Bono live one day…you had a great spot! and the sandwiches look very appetizing!
I love cashews and your Rosemary Cashews look great! Did you use raw or previously roasted cashews (since you are roasted them but I don’t think 8 – 12 minutes is enough to roast raw ones). Just want to make sure.
Find a Smart Buy price, nutritional information and coupons at at SmartShopIt.com for Planter’s Cashew Nuts.
Never heard of a tailgate party at a concert before but Rock on!
looks like you had a great time!
Trent–
Yes, I used roasted cashews for this recipe. —Hope you will try them! Happy weekend—Debi
Tailgate and U2 in the same sentence… I was curious
The last time I saw U2 was in 1985, Unforgettable Fire tour, I think. So yes, I’m old, and I’m also jealous. Just to clarify, I was only 14 in 1985, so not *that* old 
Really great pics, the food looks delish. Thanks for posting :
This is such an amazing taigating dinner. What a wonderful job you did! Not to mention, you look very lovely!!
Thanks for sharing.
My favorite band!!! I’ve seen them a few times, but missed this tour. Your food looks BEAUTIFUL! What a great idea.
love that you tailgated a rock concert! And you did it in style – great sandwiches! Grand picnic.
honestly, i’m not a big fan of U2, but i’m definitely one of your food!
Wow, what nice tailgate food! I’m really digging those cashews, might have to tuck that recipe away for the next time I have company! A bowl of those sitting out would be gone in no time!
This must be the most gourmet tailgate spread ever! The sandwiches look especially tempting! How fun that you got to go to the U2 concert!
great tailgate dinner, I’m loving those sandwiches too You’re so lucky you got to see U2 rock out!
I’m guessing you add the shallots and garlic when you mix everything at the end. You talk about the butter and spices but not the others.
Thanks
Now this is how tailgating should be done! The spread looks great, and those cashews look mighty tasty!
Mary,
Yes, the shallots and garlic are are added with the other ingredients following the butter. I have adjusted the recipe—hope you give them a try and enjoy them!
Nice, Good luck to you, please feel free to link to my blog,that way we can share some stuff… Hobbes