The BIG Game is getting closer and closer (you know the one we can't mention by name...). One of my favorite things about that one football bowl that is super (see what we did there) is gathering with friends and family for the game.  Oh yeah, and the food!

Over the past few years our snack game has gotten a little too complicated.  This year I am going with an old stand by that is easy, tastes amazing and can be served anytime ~ The Hanky Panky! 

Ok, I'm sure people have other names for this fantastic party snack but this is the name (and the recipe) that I grew up with my Mom serving us.  No idea why it was called that. At some point I probably asked my Mom why the name but I can't remember.  Regardless, the name stuck with me and now I am passing it on to you.  

On a side note - this is another one of those recipes that you should feel free to experiment and make your own.  Personally, I'm usually mixing up a recipes.  As I have said before, I normally look at a recipe as a template or a foundation.  We all have different tastes and we should use that to our advantage.

Enjoy!

Patrick

Mom's Hanky Panky's

Ingredient List:

16oz tube of hot ground sausage (like Bob Evans, Jimmy Dean or any off brand). 

8oz of processed cheese (like Velveeta or any off-brand)

1 tsp oregano

i package of party size pumpernickel or rye.

Method:

Cube up the processed cheese.

In a large skillet, brown the hot ground sausage over medium heat using a spatula or a hand food chopper. Drain grease from pan.

Add ground oregano.

Turn heat to low and then add cubed cheese.

Slowly incorporate the cheese as it melts.  It will be a gooey, sticky mess!

Once the sausage and cheese have blended together, take a normal serving spoon and scoop a small portion of the mixture onto the party size bread.

Once all set, you have two options:

1. Place the Hanky Panky's in the freezer until ready to heat and serve.
2. Heat and serve immediately.

Heat to Serve (Frozen)

Turn oven on to the Broil setting

Place rack to second highest setting

Place under broiler for 3-5 minutes.  The top of the cheese should be darker than golden brown and the bread toasted.

Let cool for 1 minute and enjoy.

Heat to Serve (Thawed)

Turn oven on to the Broil setting

Place rack to second highest setting

Place under broiler for 1-3 minutes.  The top of the cheese should be darker than golden brown and the bread toasted.

Let cool for 1 minute and enjoy.

One of the other things i love about this recipe is that you can serve the whole thing at once, in batches or just enough for a small snack.  It keeps well in the freezer for a few weeks.  Just take them out when you are ready to enjoy and you have a great snack for any occasion or just because you want one!