It’s Only the Beginning…Kick-Off the NFL Season in Style
August 27, 2008
In case any of us have forgotten, the official NFL season begins
September 7. And whether you’ve jumped on the Aaron Rodgers bandwagon or your heart still belongs to #4, one thing is for sure – you’ll probably be watching some football during opening weekend. So why not have a tailgate party to kick off the 2008 NFL season in style?
It’s easy. Invite some family and friends. Go out and pick up the essentials – beer, burgers, brats and snacks. And why you’re at the store, don’t forget to pick up a jar of Ma Baensch herring, the Wisconsin favorite that has a special place at many family tables during the football, hunting and holiday seasons.
Not only is herring a fan-favorite, but it’s also a heart-healthy alternative to typical tailgate fare. Herring is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which research has shown to be key in the battle against heart disease. Herring is also an excellent source of protein and calcium, and a tasty alternative to meat and dairy products.
Ma Baensch herring is great right out of the jar with your favorite cracker, but there are many other, inventive ways to serve herring to your guests. Try this recipe for herring salsa, right from the kitchen of Kim Wall, aka “Ma,” president of Baensch Food Products. “The herring salsa is a real crowd-pleaser,” says Wall. “Guests of all ages enjoy it, and there are several ways it can be served. Try it with corn chips, served as a salad, or even as tacos, wrapped in a soft tortilla.”
——-
Ma’s Herring Salsa
1 24 oz jar Ma Baensch Herring Marinated in Wine Sauce
Drain, discard sauce, reserve onions, and cut fillets into quarters
1 C peeled and diced Spanish onion
1 C cleaned, seeded, cored and diced red bell pepper
1 seeded, cored and minced Jalapeno chili, optional
1 C fresh cilantro, minced
Juice of one lemon, freshly squeezed
Reserved onion
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, toss gently. Place salsa in a large re-sealable container. Seal container and chill 24 hours before serving.
Cold Fish Tacos – Serve Ma Baensch Herring Salsa in soft flour tortillas, garnished with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and shredded Monterey-Jack cheese.
A Cold Appetizer — Serve Ma Baensch Herring Salsa in a small bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro and served with a side of sour cream and corn tortilla chips.
Served as a Salad — Arrange lettuce leaves on a chilled plate, surround leaves with wedges of tomato, slices of cucumber, spoon salsa onto leaves and garnish with fresh cilantro.