Tailgate Football Party with Florida Orange Juice! #OJSelfie #OJTailgate #MC #Sponsored

Fall means football!

We watch football games starting on Friday night high school games to Sunday afternoon with the NFL.  Usually family or friends join us, and that means a party!  Grilled meats are the favorites for our tailgate football party recipes and this past Sunday, we got in the “Orange and Blue” mood with the Chicago Bears.  I’m partnering with Florida Orange Juice and they sent me a recipe for a delicious marinade to use when preparing chicken kabobs.  I tweaked it just a bit and show it below.  It combines the sweetness of oranges with the spiciness of jerk seasoning to create a delicious flavor that is unique enough to impress your guests.  It’s very easy and only takes a minute to mix the ingredients.

Florida Orange Marinade

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup 100% Florida Orange Juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced

Directions:  Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and place in flat, shallow bowl.  Combine marinade ingredients and pour over chicken.  Cover and
refrigerate at least three hours or preferably overnight.  Before grilling, assemble chicken kabobs with vegetables such onions, cherry tomatoes, green peppers, and mushrooms.  Place on hot grill for 5-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Original recipe credit: Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC)

100% Florida OJ is delicious, nostalgic and nutrient-dense.  Did you know an 8-ounce glass of 100% Florida OJ also counts as one cup of fruit, according to the USDA MyPlate recommendations?

One 8-ounce glass of Florida OJ:

• Is an excellent source of vitamin C, delivering more than 100 percent of the Daily Value
• Counts as one cup of fruit, according to the USDA MyPlate Fruit Group recommendations
• Serves as a good source of folate, thiamin and also potassium, a mineral important for muscle function and nerve transmission
• Is free of fat, sodium, cholesterol and added sugar

Because our NFL team is the Chicago Bears (colors are Orange, White, and Midnight Blue), 100% Florida Orange Juice is especially fun to incorporate into tailgate parties.  I made this delicious drink on Sunday and it was a huge hit.

Chicago Bears Beverage

Directions:  Combine ice, 100% Florida Orange Juice in a clear cup.  Add garnishment of orange segments and blueberries.

On August 19th, The FDOC recently held an event to kick off football season in style, the Winning with Florida OJ New York City Event.  The day included an appearance by FOX Sports broadcaster and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” co-host Andrews, a Florida native and advocate for the health benefits of 100% Florida OJ.

“There’s no one better than Erin to help us launch the football season with a lively event and great tips for tailgating with delicious, healthful recipes,” said David Steele, director of public relations for Florida Department of Citrus. “She’s a professional football lover who brings natural energy and Florida-style inspiration to any tailgate.”

“Having grown up in Florida, I know OJ is a staple that helps me stay energized, especially during the busy football season,” Andrews said. “I’ve spent a lot of time around tailgates and I love sampling all the traditional food, from burgers and ribs to potato salad and cookies, but it’s also important to keep health in mind. I’m eager to share with fans how they can use a favorite beverage to refresh their tailgate recipe.”

About the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC)

The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) is an executive agency of the Florida government charged with the marketing, research and regulation of the Florida citrus industry. Its mission is to maximize demand for Florida citrus products in order to ensure the sustainability and economic well-being of the Florida citrus grower, the citrus industry and the State of Florida.  Connect with them at their website:  FloridaCitrus.org.