Add Flavor to Your Next Tailgate or Game Day with Florida Orange Juice!

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for the Florida Department of Citrus. I received promotional item to thank me for participating.

While fall has meant big changes around here in terms of back-to-school, the season has also brought on another much-anticipated aspect: football.

Here in the Midwest, football is more than a sport, it is a way of life. For us in Wisconsin, football not only means cheering on the Green Bay Packers, but the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers (my alumni! Woot!) in any and every game, scrimmage or mention. It just wouldn't be fall if there weren't football-filled days complete with tailgating, food, drinks and rooting on our home teams!

But while I have served a variety of dishes when we have guests over to watch the game, I'm always on the lookout for different recipes, finger foods, seasonings and marinades to create mouth-watering food that is delicious, flavorful and healthy. It's not wrong that I want the game day meal to steal just a little bit of the attention from the television, is it?

Most recently, I've been reminded that on or off the grill, one ingredient that is sure to add a burst of flavor to all sorts of dishes and recipes is none other than Florida Orange Juice!

The Florida Department of Citrus is celebrating tailgating with grilling recipes incorporating America's favorite juice! Because not only does 100% Florida Orange Juice take your tailgating or game day meal from mediocre to unique, but it provides vitamin C plus other essential nutrients like potassium, folate and thiamin. An 8-ounce glass of orange juice also counts as one cup of fruit!

Why would I not want to include an ingredient that is free of fat, sodium, cholesterol and added sugar when it is going to give my dishes a delicious twist and provide great health benefits? Not to mention that my friends and family already love it!

In fact, the Florida Department of Citrus is so sure that orange juice is the perfect go-to ingredient this season that they held a Winning with Florida OJ tailgating event in New York City last month with special guest and sports broadcaster Erin Andrews sharing her top tailgating tips!

But don't fret that you missed this great event, as they have also shared this fantastic recipe that is sure to turn all of your next events into a celebration as well!

Florida Orange Marinade

¼ cup 100% Florida Orange Juice
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp jerk seasoning
1 tsp ginger, minced

Combine all ingredients in bowl, mix thoroughly. Pour marinade over chicken skewers, cover and refrigerate at least three hours or preferably overnight.

Sounds pretty tasty, right? FloridaJuice.com is actually full of all sorts of creative orange juice-based recipes that can help you enhance your favorite tailgating recipes. Appetizers, breads, snacks, entrees, desserts, salads, side dishes and many more — there's something for everyone!

My mouth was watering by the time I was halfway through browsing all of the delicious recipes but I couldn't pass up trying out one that I knew would be just right for all of the fall season and beyond.

Because no matter if I serve these to guests, bring them to a BBQ or simply whip up a batch for an everyday treat, there's no beating Mini Orange, Banana and Chocolate Chip Muffins!

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas
¼ cup Florida orange juice
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs, separated
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup mini chocolate chips
Mini cupcake liners

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375° F. In a food processor, purée bananas, orange juice, butter and egg yolks; reserve. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; reserve. In a small clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites with mixer to form soft peaks; reserve.

Add banana mixture to flour mixture; stir just until combined. Gently fold in egg whites and chocolate chips with rubber spatula; do not overmix.

Line mini muffin tins with cupcake liners. Fill muffin tins one-half full with batter. Bake 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove muffins to wire rack to cool.

I'm telling you, these bite-size muffins are just right for pretty much anytime and the added subtle taste of the orange juice flavor in with the banana and chocolate is just right!

Could there be a more versatile staple ingredient? 100% Florida Orange Juice is nutritious, tastes great and is the perfect complement to whole fruit. Add in that it can be used in a multitude of simple-to-prepare recipes and there's no doubt that it is a fantastic choice for families everywhere this tailgating season and beyond. What will you cook up next?

Find out more about all of the awesomeness of Florida orange juice by visiting FloridaCitrus.org and connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter.