College Football Saturdays. Tailgating.

Something the boyfriend and I equally enjoy, if for slightly different reasons. One of us intently watches the game, while the other spends the whole time gabbing away with friends. I won’t tell you who is who.

We met at the University of Iowa so, needless to say, we are both big Hawkeye fans.

Our fall Saturdays are spent with friends, watching the games on tv here in Chicago

Or, occasionally, actually in Iowa City.

I’m getting a little excited.

So, I thought I’d share with you one of my favorite tailgating recipes.

Jello Shots.

For real.

These aren’t your college house party, paper cup, jello shots. No, sir. These are classy, post-grad jello shots.

Or at least, I’m just going to keep telling myself that…

Orange Jello Shots

2 oranges

1/2 cup water

3 oz. box of orange jello

1/2 cup vodka

Cut oranges in half and scoop out the pulp. If you are resourceful you’ll save the pulp for something else. If you’re like me, you’ll throw it out. Put the orange halves facing up in a muffin tin.

Bring the cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the jello packet. Once the jello is fully dissolved, add the cup of vodka.

Pour the liquid into the orange halves, filling to the brim. Put the muffin tin of oranges in the fridge and let set overnight. When set, use a sharp knife to carefully cut the orange halves into thirds (or halves if thirds are too difficult to cut). Keep refrigerated until serving.

* This recipe can be easily modified to make the lemon (or lime!) jello shots – just use lemons and lemon jello. And these can be made non-alcoholic, just use cold water instead of the vodka.

Enjoy!