Fresh Ideas: Meatball sliders

Although I’ve lived in Baton Rouge for almost five years, the concept of cooking bite-size foods for tailgating is still relatively new to me.

I love a greasy burger as much as the next girl — especially one with mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar — but I find the over-sized ones my friends serve up outside Tiger Stadium a bit too large and often hard to eat while carrying on a conversation.

Sliders, the cuter and significantly smaller take on the classic American burger, supply several bites of comfort food without the mess.

My suggestions for this recipe are simple: select good quality spicy pork and a good quality barbecue sauce such as Stubb’s or one locally made from vendors at the Red Stick Farmers Market for a flavorful treat before any game this season.

Hold the burger together with a toothpick and dress the sandwich in your choice of leafy greens and robust cheese for a perfect, small-size finger food perfect for tailgates or any game-day party.

Helena Brigman is a food writer, photographer and cookbook author. She can be reached with daily recipes at http://clearlydeliciousfoodblog.com or via email at hbrigm1@tigers.lsu.edu.