The Internet provides no shortage of places to find tailgating ideas; a simple Web search yields a banquet of options. But one site gives you a little of everything. Taste of Home – www.tasteofhome.com – features advice, menus, gadgets and a smorgasbord of tidbits including recipes for winning cupcakes.

Truffle Football Cupcakes


3 ounces white candy coating, coarsely chopped, divided

⅔ cup creamy peanut butter

½ cup confectioners sugar

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

⅔ cup crushed granola cereal with oats and honey

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

2 tablespoons shortening

2 cans (16 ounces each) vanilla frosting, divided

Green paste food coloring

36 cupcakes of your choice

In microwave, melt white candy coating at 70-percent power for one minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Add confectioners sugar, vanilla and cereal. Chill for two to three hours or until easy to handle. Shape into 1-inch balls; form each ball into football shape and set aside. In microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip footballs in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on wire rack over waxed paper; let stand until set, about 30 minutes. Pipe frosting laces onto footballs. Tint remaining frosting green. Using #233 or #234 tip, pipe grass over cupcakes. Just before serving, insert toothpick into each football. Insert toothpick into cupcake to position football. Preparation: 25 minutes plus standing time. Makes 18 servings.

– Courtesy of Kim Barker, Richmond, Texas via www.tasteofhome.com