"Big Game" Recipes from Empire City Casino

Bearing the name of the legendary football family, Dan Rooney’s Sports Pub is synonymous with football, and knows how to feed hungry football fans. With more than 1.3-billion chicken wings typically consumed across America the Sunday of the "Big Game," Empire City Casino in Yonkers, New York is sharing its fan-favorite garlic rub chicken wing recipe, perfect for the home chef or cooking connoisseur. Served at the casino’s gridiron hangout Dan Rooney’s Sports Bar, the garlic rub features a tantalizing combination of spices, including dark chili powder, paprika, cumin and, of course, garlic. Paired with an ice cold beer, these wings are the perfect addition to any Big Game gourmet table.

For the burger-lover in the group, you’ll score by serving the award-winning signature Dan Rooney burger. Topped with Brie cheese, watercress, and homemade honey peppercorn aioli, this burger is perfect for a full entrée, or slim it down to make it a great football slider. Any way you size it, the Dan Rooney burger is sure to have guests running to the end zone for a second helping.

Don’t forget to serve something sweet for the 4th quarter: whip up Empire City’s delectable classic cheesecake to satisfy the sweet tooth of every party goer. There’s no chance of a flag when your guests taste the creamy cake atop a homemade graham cracker crust – just hope there’s no overtime, as guests will easily devour this dessert in one down.

Dan Rooney’s Garlic Rub Chicken Wings (1 serving)

Wings Joints and Flats

7 each

Cumin

1/2 tbs

Dark Chili Powder

1/2 tbs

Paprika

1/2 tbs

Onion Powder

1/2 tbs

Garlic Powder

3 tbs

Cayenne Pepper

1/2 tbs, grounded

Salt & Pepper

To taste

Directions: Combine the spices (reserving 1 tbs of garlic powder for post-cooking seasoning) and toss with the wings to coat. Bake for 35 minutes in 350-degree oven. Fry wings until crispy and golden brown, drain and toss with garlic infused olive-oil and remaining garlic powder.

Dan Rooney’s Signature Burger (1 serving)
Watercress

1/4 bunch

Brie Cheese

1 oz

Honey Peppercorn Aioli

2 oz

Red Onions

1 oz

Potato Roll

1 roll

Burger Patty

8 oz

Honey Peppercorn Aioli Recipe
Mayo

3 cups

Honey Pure

1/4 jar

Thyme

2 oz, freshly chopped

Rosemary

2 oz, freshly chopped

Shallot

4 oz, peeled

Roast Garlic Puree

1/2 bulb

Lemon Juice

1 lemon, fresh squeezed

Black Peppercorn

2 oz, crushed

Directions: Grill burger, place on bun, top with Brie cheese, onions and watercress. Spread aioli sauce on inside of bun top and place on top of the burger.

Empire City’s Classic Cheesecake
Cream Cheese

2 1/2 lbs, room temperature

Sugar

1/2 lb

Eggs

6 eggs

Egg Yolks

2 eggs

Sour Cream

6 oz.

Directions: In a mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, yolks and sour cream until fully combined. Set batter aside.

Classic Cheesecake Crust
Graham Cracker Crumbs

1/2 pound

Sugar

2 oz

Butter

3 oz, melted

Directions: Mix all crust ingredients until combined. Using an 8” springform pan, spray with non-stick spray and then place crumbs on the bottom. Press into the pan until firm. Pour cheesecake batter on top. Place on a sheet pan in the oven and add warm water around springform pan to cover bottom of the sheet pan. Bake on 250-degrees for 1 ½ hours. Cheesecake should still jiggle slightly in the middle. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate overnight (in the springform pan.)

For hosts with a better throwing arm than a pan-flipping wrist, have no fear – Empire City also offers catering for the Big Game, with customizable menus and crowd favorites, including nachos, game classic pigs-in-a-blanket, mouthwatering garlic rub chicken wings and more. To cater your home party, please call 914 457-2457 and place your order by Thursday, February 1, 2018.

It is also noteworthy that last September, Empire City hosted the first-ever Westchester County “Wingfest” in partnership with Westchester Magazine.Wing fanatics from across the tristate area flocked to the casino for a celebration of all-you-can-eat chicken wings prepared by more than 25 area restaurants, including, of course, Dan Rooney’s