We've survived the debates, the ads, the endless political back and forth -- election night is here at last and, however it all goes down, it's a great night for a party. We've come up with not one, but two menus for this momentous night; one for each candidate, inspired by each of their tastes and food preferences. Most of the menus are a bit over the top -- mix and match, or serve mini-versions of most of the dishes.
Use the menus as you please -- you could toe the party line and cook only the foods preferred by your candidate, or you could go bipartisan and mix it up as you see fit! Either way, cheers to democracy -- let's party!
- Looking for classic cocktail recipes? Check out our column Booze52.
- Need ideas for small party snacks? Check out contest entries for Your Best One-Bite Party Snack.
- Got a question in the kitchen? Ask the experts on the Food52 Hotline!
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Team Obama Menu: Lemon Lime Margaritas
To kick things off, because the Obamas like Mexican food, and because these candidates could use a cocktail: an unbeatable margarita. <br><em><strong><a href="http://www.food52.com/recipes/3702_lemon_lime_margaritas" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: James Ransom</em>
Team Obama Menu: Yum Dogs
President Obama hasn't come out explicitly in favor of hot dogs, but there sure are a lot of photos of him eating them so we're making a little leap here and betting he'd like this Yum Dog. <br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/12425_yum_dogs" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: Sarah Shatz</em>
Team Obama Menu: Herbed Beef Skewers With Horseradish Cream
We chose these for the President's menu because of his favored pre-debate dinner of steak and potatoes. Also, they make for some truly terrific party food. <br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/10836_herbed_beef_skewers_with_horseradish_cream" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: Sarah Shatz</em>
Team Obama Menu: Rick Bayless' Tortilla Soup With Shredded Chard
The Obamas are known for their love of Mexican food (Rick Bayless was nearly the White House chef!) so this Tortilla Soup was a must. <br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/17263_rick_bayless_tortilla_soup_with_shredded_chard" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: James Ransom</em>
Team Obama Menu: Jim Lahey's No-Knead Pizza Dough
Both candidates eat a lot of pizza for photo ops -- we chose this super classic version for the President.<br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/16641_jim_laheys_noknead_pizza_dough" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: Food52</em>
Team Obama Menu: Cherry Snow Cone
Having grown up in Hawaii, President Obama is a fan of shaved ice, so we're pretty sure he'd love this Cherry Snow Cone.<br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/5340_cherry_snow_cone" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: Food52</em>
Team Romney Menu: Iced Mint And Citrus Tea
We've left cocktails out, as Mr. Romney doesn't indulge. <br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/18454_iced_mint_and_citrus_tea" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: James Ransom</em>
Team Romney Menu: The New Englandah Burgah
A fantastically messy New Englandah Burgah gets a spot on Romney's menu as a nod to his run as the Governor of Massachusetts. <br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/5774_the_new_englandah_burgah" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: Food52</em>
Team Romney Menu: Avocado Crab Rolls
Crab on a buttery split-top roll -- more Massachusetts pride for Romney.<br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/17944_avocado_crab_rolls" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: Food52</em>
Team Romney Menu: Cacio E Pepe Pizza With Roasted Radishes
Romney is known to be extremely health conscious and even known to prefer his slice sans cheese so we think he'd approve of this super simple Cacio e Pepe Pizza.<br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/17614_cacio_e_pepe_pizza_with_roasted_radishes" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: Food52</em>
Team Romney Menu: Zucchini Quinoa Burgers
While President Obama geared up for the debates with steak and potatoes, Mitt Romney kept it light and healthy with veggie burgers. <br><em><strong><a href="http://food52.com/recipes/18585_zucchini_quinoa_burgers" target="_hplink">Get the recipe</a></strong></em>
<br><em>Photo: Karen Mordechai</em>
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That's one helluva guv you're touting, mommy.
Mitt party food is as dull, uninteresting and lacking in flavor as he is....
Crow !