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Some people claim they have created
tailgating, others say their particular franchise or
city is where tailgating began. Then you have Yale University
who claims tailgating started with them in 1904. Now,
it’s not that I don’t believe them but, the only people
that can verify this would be between 100 and 120 years
old. So let’s just say this, tailgating is considered
an American institution to some and a religion to others.
Tailgating consist of many experiences thrown into one
day. Tailgating brings together friends and foes in
a peaceful setting to celebrate their team and talk
about the other team.
The food! I believe the food is the single
most important part of any event. Tailgating food is
an event in itself. Among the various gastronomic delights
you must have your basics for any sporting event. The
basic menu consists of:
Hamburgers
Hotdogs
Chips and Pretzels
Nachos and the 7 to 27 layer bean dip
And just a side note for anybody that
has a question, beer is not considered food although
it should be part of your basic menu.
These basics will get you started.
For the more advanced tailgater you have
a task that will start on Monday or at least five day’s
before the sporting event. The advanced tailgater prepares
for 6 to 8 hours of eating and drinking. True tailgaters
have created a time honored menu that changes according
to what team is being played. It all starts with the
set up. You need a tent, pickup truck with a cab on
the back or a SUV for storage. The next is the cooler,
make sure it is big and you have more than enough ice
for the day. Have at least one grill and always make
it propane. Charcoal can be used if you have the time
and weather permits (don’t take the chance).
The menu will always start with pepperoni,
cheese and crackers along with chips, pretzels and that
bean dip I already mentioned. The next item on the day
will be the chili. Chili is rated from 1 alarm to 10
alarms. Starting with anything less than 5 alarms is
not worth the effort. If you have any suggestions on
chili please send them to me, I would love to hear from
you. Turkey chili is not an option when it comes to
tailgating. By now the grill is nice and hot and the
main course is just about ready. You probably have your
own choices but some of the items you should have in
any combination are:
A fully cooked pig
Ribs
Chicken
Steaks
Kielbasa or some sort of spicy sausage
These items should be prepped at home
in advance so all you need to do at the stadium parking
lot is finish cooking them.
Just remember, over the course of 6 to
8 hours you are going to drink and eat pretty much what
you want. So take a minute and toast the founding fathers
of tailgating for their foresight in creating an American
tradition.
Before I go I just want to give you a
few tips for a successful day of tailgating;
- Do as much prep work as you can before
you leave for the game.
- Make a list of everything for the day.
Even with the list you will probably forget something.
- Don’t let your stomach do the planning
for the day. You will be in the stadium for the next
3 to 4 hours.
- Make sure you assign jobs to your buddies
so you are not doing all the work and can enjoy the
day too.
- Dress appropriately.
- When you leave for the game in the
morning don’t forget the tickets.
Let me hear about your tailgating parties
and recipes.
Have a great day
Chef Mike
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