Spring is here, and one way of taking advantage of the warm weather with family and friends is with a bit of friendly competition through unique games that are sure to bring laughs and fun for all ages. Here are three games that can be played in the backyard or at the park and can involve everyone. Bocce Ball W acky B ackyard G ames for A ll A ges Taking Advantage of the Spring Weather
Ladder Golf Sometimes called “ladder toss” or “ladder ball,” this game can only accommodate four players, two pairs playing against each other. However, since most adequate ladder golf sets go for around $20, it is perfectly possible to get multiple sets to accommodate a larger group. The object of ladder golf is to toss ropes with golf balls on either end (bolas) from a set distance toward the rungs of a ladder. Each rung has a point value of one to three, and teams can decide how many points it will take to win a game.
While you only need two players, this game can include up to eight people split into two teams. Without getting too much into the gameplay specifics, the ultimate goal of the game is to score points by bowling a bocce ball toward a smaller ball called the jack. Whichever team gets one of their balls closer to the jack in a round scores a point, and the first team to a set number of points, normally between seven and 13, wins the game. While regulation courts for bocce ball exist, any open space roughly 13 by 90 feet should suffice for an informal game. While professional bocce ball sets can cost over $150, multiple vendors sell standard sets for between $20 and $40.
Spikeball This is another game that usually requires at most four players (again, two teams of two), and is a little faster-paced than the two games previously listed. All four players stand around a net trampoline, and each team tries to use their palm to slap a small plastic ball into the net in such a way that the other team cannot return the ball. This game is more reflex intensive and less contemplative than bocce ball or ladder golf, but win or lose, spikeball is a definite source of laughter and good fun for everyone involved.
B eet , M int , and R icotta H ummus
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
INGREDIENTS
• 1 6-ounce beet (about the size of an adult fist), scrubbed • 1 15 1/2-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained • 1/3 cup tahini, well-mixed • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander • Mint leaves, poppy seeds, and olive oil, for garnish
• 1/4 cup ricotta cheese • 1 garlic clove, grated
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Wrap beet tightly in foil. On a foil-lined baking sheet, roast wrapped beet until fork tender, about 60–70 minutes. 3. While beet is roasting, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, ricotta, garlic, salt, pepper, and coriander until smooth. 4. Once beet is cool enough to handle, use a paper towel to remove beet skin. Trim root end and cut into small pieces. Add to blender or food processor, and blend until entire mixture is smooth. Add additional salt if desired. 5. Transfer to a shallow bowl, top with garnishes, and serve. 3 770-744-1855
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