Mix it up

Coolers and camp chairs and portable grills — it's time to cheer on the home team with a tailgate party. In my hometown, football fans love to hit the stadium early to cook out, enjoy each other's company and celebrate their love of the game.

Whether you're tailgating at a high school, college or pro game, here are a couple of tips to make your party a winner.

-Share and share alike. Make it easy on everyone by making the tailgate party a potluck. Bring your own meat to grill, but take turns bringing side dishes, drinks, plates, cups, utensils and desserts. This lowers the cost for everyone and it's a great way to try some new foods.

-Sweet and simple. When it's my turn to bring the desserts, I like keeping things simple. For peanut butter and chocolate fans, Buckeye Candy is a sweet solution. This recipe makes about six dozen candies, so there should be plenty to go around.

Keep the tailgating team cheering with more easy, portable recipes that you can find at www.VeryBestBaking.com.

Buckeye Candy

Makes six dozen candies

2 cups creamy peanut butter (not all-natural)

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, softened

3 3/4 cups (16-ounce box) powdered sugar

2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

LINE baking sheets with wax paper.

BEAT peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in powdered sugar until mixture holds together and is moistened. Shape into 1-inch balls; place on prepared baking sheets. Freeze for one hour.

MELT morsels and shortening in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100 percent) power for one minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted.

DIP peanut butter centers into melted chocolate using a toothpick, leaving a small portion of the center uncovered. Shake off excess chocolate and scrape bottom of candy on side of bowl. Return to baking sheets; refrigerate until chocolate is set. Store in covered container in refrigerator. Keep chilled on the way to the game.

Nutrition Information per two-piece serving: 200 calories; 110 calories from fat; 12g total fat; 4g saturated fat; 5mg cholesterol; 75mg sodium; 21g carbohydrate; 2g fiber; 19g sugars; 4g protein