Warm and Cozy Food and Cocktails for Late October and Early November GameDays

1. Butternut Squash and Sage Soup

A creamy, savory soup with roasted butternut squash and sage is perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss the squash in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in butter, then add roasted squash and broth.
3. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, then blend until smooth. Garnish with fresh sage leaves.

2. Spiked Hot Chocolate

Warm up with a rich hot chocolate infused with a touch of liqueur.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 oz Baileys or Kahlua (optional)
• Whipped cream for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat milk and chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth.
2. Pour into mugs, add liqueur, and top with whipped cream.

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3. Beef and Guinness Stew

A hearty stew with tender beef and vegetables simmered in Guinness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup Guinness beer
• 2 cups beef broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sear beef in olive oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery, then add Guinness and beef broth.
3. Add beef back in, season, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours. Garnish with parsley.

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4. Maple Old Fashioned

A cozy twist on the Old Fashioned with maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes bitters
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters in a glass.
2. Add ice, stir, and garnish with an orange twist.

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5. Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Mayo

These crispy fries pair perfectly with a zesty mayo dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
• Lime juice for zest

Instructions:

1. Toss sweet potatoes in olive oil, season with salt, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
2. Mix mayo, chipotle powder, and lime juice. Serve fries with dipping sauce.

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These recipes bring warmth and comfort to your fall gatherings, letting you savor the season’s flavors. Perfect for game day or cozying up outdoors, these dishes and drinks set the stage for a memorable late fall evening!