Ep 1. Game Day

Struggle Meals is a popular cooking show that aims to help viewers make delicious, budget-friendly meals. In season 3 episode 1 titled "Game Day," the focus is on creating snacks and meals that are perfect for a sporting event or game day party.

The host of the show, Frankie Celenza, starts by introducing the episode and the concept of game day foods. He explains that it's important to have a variety of snacks and dishes that are easy to eat while watching the game, and that can be prepared quickly so that the host can enjoy the game with their guests.

The first recipe that Frankie shares is for a Go-To Game Day Dip. He explains that this dip is a versatile option that can be customized to individual tastes. It starts with a base of sour cream and mayonnaise, and can be mixed with different herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Frankie recommends adding roasted red peppers, garlic, and a touch of hot sauce for a tasty dip that pairs well with chips or vegetables.

Next up are some quick and easy sliders. Frankie shows how to make ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls, which can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. He adds a spicy mustard and poppy seed topping to give the sliders a little kick.

For those who prefer something a little more substantial, Frankie shares a recipe for a hearty chili con carne. He explains that chili is a classic game day dish because it can be prepared in large quantities and served in bowls or on top of hot dogs or nachos. Frankie's chili recipe includes ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. He tops it off with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream for added flavor.

One of the standout recipes of the episode is for Buffalo Chicken Wings, which is a classic game day snack. Frankie shows how to make crispy wings with a spicy buffalo sauce. He explains that it's important to coat the wings in baking powder before roasting them in the oven to achieve a crispy texture without frying. The sauce is made with Frank's RedHot sauce, butter, and garlic powder, and is smothered over the wings for a delicious finish.

Another great snack idea for game day is Pizza Nachos. Frankie shows how to assemble a delicious plate of nachos using pizza ingredients, such as pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. He also adds some fresh tomatoes and basil for added flavor.

To round out the episode, Frankie shares a recipe for a charcuterie board that can be customized to individual tastes. He explains that a charcuterie board is a great option for game day because it can be prepped ahead of time and can be easily graze on throughout the duration of the game.

Throughout the episode, Frankie shares helpful tips and tricks for preparing these game day dishes. He emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and being organized to ensure that everything is ready in time for the game. He also shows how to make the most of budget-friendly ingredients to create delicious and satisfying meals.

Overall, "Game Day" is a fun and informative episode that provides plenty of inspiration for hosting a successful game day party. With its easy-to-follow recipes and helpful tips, viewers are sure to walk away with plenty of ideas for their next sporting event or gathering.