Tailgating

[SueK]

Well, autumn is almost upon us now, and where I live, that means that in a few weeks, 100K plus people will be descending upon us for home football games. This made me think of tailgating, which can be a real art form for diehard fans. I love our tailgates, because I always use them as an opportunity to try new appetizer/dip/dessert recipes. It's interesting to see which ones are a hit, and which ones flop.

We go all out for our tailgates, and have some great food. Do any of you go to football games (college or pro) in your area, and if so do you tailgate? What types of good dishes do you like to make for them?

[CLustik]

Sue;
Where do you live? I am currently in NC and they have no clue how to tailgate... UGH the bible belt. But growing up in WI, it was and is an art form there. I'll try to think of any past foods we used.

[SueK]

Originally posted by CLustik:
Sue;
Where do you live? I am currently in NC and they have no clue how to tailgate... UGH the bible belt. But growing up in WI, it was and is an art form there. I'll try to think of any past foods we used.

I live in Central PA, home to PSU. In past years, it's been rated the #1 tailgating school in the nation. I don't usually care to watch the games---I just enjoy going and eating the food at the tailgates! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Lchiles]

Sue K, We are down here in FL, Home of the New University of South Florida Bulls. We have been tailgating for years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but I would like to get some light ideas for our parties. Tailgating is great, but I usually overeat. One of our favorites is Leah Chase's Oven Fried Chicken, from Cooking Light. We add a little extra cayenne to spice it up a notch. I have found boneless, skinless chicken thighs are wonderful, nothing to put in the trash. Let me think of any other ideas we do. Always love shrimp cocktail for tailgating as well. LaurieC

[Leanne]

I'm part of the SEC & We LOVE to tailgate. It depends on how involved you want to get. Sometimes we bring the grill (a portable one) & cook up ribs, burgers, or hot dogs. Fried Chicken is always a favorite with potato salad, cole slaw, biscuits, deviled eggs, pastea salads - all picnic style food. CL has recipes for just about all of that kind of food. Brownies & cookies always do well too. Barbeque sandwiches are also always a hit - with brunswick stew. (Those are actually my favorite - besides the ribs.)
Once the weather turns cold, chili is a good one too - with cornbread & toppings.
Now I'm really hungry & can't wait for the first game!!!
I just thought of another one we do sometimes - chicken salad in pitas. They're pretty easy to make & deal with.
[This message has been edited by Leanne (edited 08-09-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Leanne (edited 08-09-2000).]

[SueK]

We usually make a roast or ham the night before and then slice it that morning and keep it hot over the one of the grills for sandwiches. Even when games begin at 3 PM, we set up our tailgate around 10 AM, so we have a lot of "make to order" omelet ingredients, too. I get tired of the same old stuff week after week but when people rave about certain dishes, I make them again. Some people go all out and get their tailgates catered, but I think it's too much fun cooking and baking to not do it ourselves!

[h2okie]

CLustik -

Where are you in NC? Just wondering b/c I'm in Charlotte. Haven't seen much in the way of impressive tailgating at Panthers games (we don't go very often, usually only when we luck into tickets from someone who can't use theirs).

BUT, as you can tell from my user name I am a Hokie and Va Tech students/alumni definitely know how to tailgate! The main "food," I have to admit, is beer. But chili is very popular too.

I'm actually from C'ville, VA home of the Wahoos (and Tech's huge in-state rival!) and grew up going to UVa games with my parents. They are tailgating veterans and they do it right! They have it all - from the cooler than can cool or heat, depending on the setting you put it on, to a grill, to crock pots and all kinds of yummy food!

I'm pregnant now so tailgating will be a different experience for me this fall. More food, no beer!

[SueK]

h2okie--It's not too bad tailgating when you're pregnant, but it gets tiring! When I was pregnant during football season 4 years ago, I usually just stayed home and watched the games on TV so I could SLEEP!
Believe me, beer is one of the main ingredients at our tailgates, too. PSU has a lot of restrictions (no kegs, etc), but we always manage to have a good time. My sister-in-law makes a mean rum slush, too!

[BethH]

Bloody Marys are our favorite tailgate 'food' at Indiana Univ. Football games! We love to drive down to Bloomington for a little tailgating! We usually take a grill, much liquor and beer, and tons of snack food.

A big hit is my chili cheese dip (not light and who cares while tailgating!) which we keep warm over the little grill. That will keep us tided over until after the game when we can get strombolis at Nick's on Kirkwood Ave. (an IU tradition) Go Hoosiers! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[CLustik]

Originally posted by h2okie:
CLustik -

Where are you in NC? Just wondering b/c I'm in Charlotte. Haven't seen much in the way of impressive tailgating at Panthers games (


HI, I am also in Charlotte, at least for another 9-10 months. We have been here for 2 1/2 years, I am ready to move North again. No offense to you southerners! I want 4 seasons. And the whole dry county thing is beyond me. I've only been to the Packer/Panther game. It's hard to beat tailgating in WI at a Packer game. Ahmen to the "beer as the main ingrediant!" I don't think I could tailgate pregnant! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I haven't been too impressed with the Panthers either. I think other than a few pro teams, college ball has the best tailgaters.

As far as food, the best ones have been covered. Chili, brownies, potatoe salads, of course our favorite would be brats, boiled in beer and onions and soaked over night, then grilled. Mostly food to warm a person. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif It's good to know someone else is also in Charlotte.