DIY Network

Gamer's Frag Fest

Are you ready to challenge your friends to a no-holds-barred bout of button thrashing, strategy, electronic mayhem and inevitable victory? Then it's time for a Frag Fest, and you need a plan. While most gamers would be content to munch on a semi-cold pizza, you might want to put a clever spin on the evening's menu. After all, what's the point of having a maxed-out media room if you don't create the ultimate entertainment event?

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Invitations

In the digital world, keep it simple and make sure your invitation is read. Just send a clever e-mail or an online invitation (an e-vite) describing your event. If there's a theme to the evening, be sure to advise your guests. If you want people to bring a variety of games, make the request in the invitation.

Secrets to Success

• Consider a bigger main course to help fill up and energize your guests; put smaller snacks out for gamers to gnosh on later.
  
• Avoid anything sticky, crumbly, oily or that uses sauces or dips. You don't want to impede a chance at victory with sticky fingers. What's worse: the possibility of damaging your system or controllers.
  
• Gamers love caffeine -- so don’t forget soda, energy drinks, coffee and sweet treats!

Menu Ideas

For this type of event -- one in which the activity is the focus -- you'll want simple foods that can be held in one hand (for those brave enough to try to eat while gaming) or that can be eaten in one bite. This is where simple hors d'oeuvres, pita wedges with hummus, or roll-ups can be satisfying and easy (you can make or purchase ahead)!

Try these recipes from the DIY Archives:

Hummus
Yield: 3 cups

Ingredients:
30 oz. prepared garbanzo beans, drained
8 cloves minced garlic
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1 cup toasted sesame seeds
Juice of 2 limes
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 minced jalapeno pepper (wear rubber gloves to handle hot peppers)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation:

In food processor, mix the garbanzo beans, garlic, parsley, sesame, lime juice, salt and jalapenos. Add oil slowly from the top to create a paste. Serve with pita wedges.

Tortilla Wraps

Ingredients:

(2) 6 oz. containers of frozen avocado dip, thawed
(2) 3 oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
(12) 8-inch flour tortillas
1-lb. cooked deli roast beef, smoked turkey or ham (or a combination), thinly sliced
Shredded leaf or iceberg lettuce
3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Toothpicks

Preparation:

In a bowl, combine avocado dip and cream cheese. Blend well. Spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla to within 1/2 inch of the edges of tortilla. Arrange slices of meat, lettuce and cheese over top of mixture. Roll each tortilla, secure with 2 toothpicks, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Before serving, slice into 1-inch slices and insert toothpicks in each for easy eating.

RESOURCES :

Gamespot.com

GameSpy.com