Command the Kitchen

by Phantom Foodie

Photo contributed by Phantom Foodie

Autumn in Reston. The leaves will be coloring burgundy and gold, temperatures cooling, and stovetops primed to cheer on our Commanders. The season is now upon us and that means fantasy leagues, tailgates, and multi-view streaming– all needing beverages and apps. No one remembers every play, but they will remember who brought that amazing dish.

As a foodie, my season is measured not in wins and losses, but in bites and beverages. And with the football season now in full swing, my palate is already in mid-season form, anticipating the culinary touchdowns that will define the gameday experience. Forget the tired hot dogs and sad stadium pretzels—we're talking about a menu worthy of the MVP: most valuable plate. This one goes out to all the football foodies.

Here is my initial gameday themed lineup including a couple of my cast iron favorites. For those on the sideline with cast iron, it should be in your playbook. Most households probably have one stashed away. I prefer the iconic American brand Lodge. You can order various sizes inexpensively on your favorite dot com. Make cast iron part of your kitchen lineup essentials (and continually season with oil after each use).

This is not a recipe book but suggestive guidance to tease your tastebuds. All simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Oct 13: Monday Night. For the matchup against the Chicago Bears-- Cast iron deep dish pizza. Find the pizza dough in the deli section then add your fillings, mozzarella cheese, and sauce then finish in the oven. Hopefully no miracle hail mary needed this year.

Photo contributed by Phantom Foodie

Oct 19: Cowboys. If we’re talking Dallas then we’re talking barbeque. I am going with brisket nachos.

Oct 27: Chiefs. Kansas City is more barbeque. Call a kitchen audible - check out Uncle Fred’s BBQ Smoke Shack. Find him on Facebook and at the Reston Park & Ride.

Nov 2: Seahawks - Cedar plank salmon if you have access to a grill. Or the Seattle Dog if you dare.

Nov 9: Lions. Detroit. Motown and Motor City. If you crushed the Chicago deep dish then try the Detroit style pizza in a square baking dish.

Nov 16: 9:30 a.m. For the matchup against the Dolphins in Madrid, I am planning Iberian cuisine and breakfast tapas.

We can meal plan again after Thanksgiving. But I will leave you with a few more side dishes. Old Bay deviled eggs. I prefer the Dash rapid egg cooker for simplicity and perfect eggs. Another crowd pleaser is a honey & blue cheese kettle chips in that cast iron skillet you’ve dusted off. Dump a bag of sea salt kettle chips in the skillet, add some shredded mozzarella and quickly broil. Top with blue cheese crumbles and drizzle with honey and scallions. This last one requires a little more budget, but one of my favorites is ahi tuna nachos. You will need sashimi grade tuna, citrus soy, and wonton or tortilla chips. Top with scallions and sriracha mayo.

And of course there is always chili and half smokes.

Hail to the Chef.