What time is kickoff?
From my newspaper writing job; articles for your enjoyment.
Score your own TAILGATE TOUCH DOWN!
Its Football season and whether you enjoy the game at home or get out on the road, game-day celebrations in my household, are all about combining the excitement of the game with crowd-pleasing food.
Though the term Tailgating- is a modern concept- the idea can be traced back to various social and communal practices involving outdoor eating. The idea of having a meal or gathering around the tailgate of a truck, though common to us, was most likely the back of a chuck wagon or horse driven cart in the beginning.
The first American college football game, played in 1869 is considered the start of the sport of football in the U.S... yet it's said the ‘tailgate' idea didn't come about until sometime after World War II.
Owing to the combination of a growing fan base, increased car ownership, and a cultural emphasis on community and leisure activities, the practice of tailgating became a form of leisure and some how forever associated with the game of football.
Here in West Virginia, tailgating is a staple of football culture and tailgate gatherings can vary widely; from simple picnics to elaborate setups with grills, tents, or even full-scale parties with music and song.
Tips for a winning game day whether home or on the road.
At home, create a stadium-like atmosphere with classic decorations of team colors and flagging widely available online or by creating your own.
Make a plan to serve your foods -say at half-time- or have lighter fare early on and heavier offerings further into the game. Write yourself a timeline and keep it on the kitchen counter.
Just like the competing teams, prepping ahead is the way to a low stress gathering, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your friends and the game!
Consider incorporating a few store bought short cuts by bulking up your spread with chips and hummus or store-bought Guacamole, and save your time for more elaborate culinary creations.
Add an upgraded touch by plating store-bought items on real dinnerware, rather than whatever it came in from the grocery store.
Set up a specific drink space or cooler with all the accouterments so everyone can help themselves. Be sure to provide easy access to trash and recycling for guests to clean up after themselves.
When tailgating on the road, portable and easy-to-eat options are key. Grilled kebabs or skewers are ideal for their convenience and flavor.
Pack a cooler with pre-made items such as; paper wrapped sandwiches, fresh cut fruit, and a couple appetizers for easy snacking. For a chilly day bring along a portable grill for hot dogs or sausages, and consider a thermos of homemade chili or crock pot to keep things cozy.
Make sure to have plenty of napkins, plates and even a small thermos of warm water to aid clean up.
Simple, great tasting ideas for your game day.
Baked Potatoes-pack an assortment of toppings- bacon, sour cream, sausage gravy, chili and grated cheese. Label each container and have serving pieces decided before you leave home.
Starting 1-3 hours ahead of time, bake those potatoes and store them in a cooler. The potatoes will create their own heat and stay piping hot for hours. Trust me, we would bake 100's of potatoes for catering events and all were nearly too hot to handle when the box was opened!
Buffalo Sauced Bites-Made from cauliflower these go down easy, taste shockingly good and leave room for other treats. Served with a good Blue Cheese dressing.
Pimiento Cheese Hot or Cold-Ah, Pimento Cheese, the dream boat of appetizers as far as I'm concerned. Serve it hot (yes! over a bit of shredded chicken) or serve it room temp or slightly chilled. Have a good assortment of dippy things and everyone will love you!
No matter how or where you celebrate, in the end it isn't about who won or whose food was best, but the way tradition and community can come together on both sides of the filed. Whether over the smell of barbecue or the shared anticipation of the kickoff, tailgating enhances the game, confirming the true excitement often starts well before kickoff!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Give this healthy-ish Buffalo Bites recipe a try- a few simple ingredients give the cauliflower a surprising crunch and plenty of Flavor!