Kickoff in 8 Days

The preseason is in the books with a 3-1 record and major losses to the receivers. Jeffery, Royal and Wilson were injured and Coach Fox is keeping quiet about their status for opening day.

Speaking of opening day, da Bears' long-standing rival - the Green Bay Packers - are coming to Soldier Field next Sunday. Will you be ready? This Bears fan is reviewing her options. You've got your sausage and your cheese. Perhaps some smoked fish.
What's that you say? Cranberries? Let's talk.

A friend from college, who has settled behind the Cheddar Curtain, suggested this recipe saying "The cranberries are what makes it truly Wisconsin." TravelWisconsin.com claims that Wisconsin is the largest producer of cranberries. I checked the Ocean Spray website and the dudes from Massachusetts say that "while cranberries are primarily harvested in the Northeast, they are also grown in other places like Wisconsin ..."

So his claim panned out but I'm still suspicious of a tip coming from the enemy camp. For you more trusting types, here's the recipe he suggested. It won Jennifer May a blue ribbon at the Wisconsin State Fair. I wonder how it will do in Chicago?

Whatever winning recipe you choose, get cooking and Go Bears!

Bucky Badger's Game Day Cheese Fudge (36 pieces)

Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
2 TB heavy whipping cream
4 Cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 oz white chocolate, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp strawberry extract
3/4 Cup cashew halves (divided)
3/4 Cup cherry-infused dried cranberries (divided)

Directions:
1.  In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with the cream until smooth
2.  Beat in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Scrape sides with each addition
3.  Blend in white chocolate and extracts until smooth
4.  By hand, stir in 1/2 cup each of cashews and cranberries
5.  Spread and press mixture into a buttered 8 inch square pan
6.  Sprinkle with remaining cashews and cranberries; press lightly into the fudge
7.  Chill in refrigerator until firm; cut into 36 pieces