Takin’ It To The Tailgate

Fall air has finally arrived, it’s fresh, crisp feeling letting us know that football season is definitely here and it’s time for a tailgate party. With cool temperatures expected for this weekend’s ASU homecoming events, it’s time to huddle up with family and friends for a big time before, during and after the game. Enjoy the food, enjoy the fun, and let the games begin!

Tailgate parties can be as simple as sandwiches and chips, or extremely elaborate and time- consuming. Some people spend days preparing for a tailgate party, but we want it to be fun, not labor-intensive.

Traditionally, tailgate parties are held in the parking lot of a stadium. Some bring their grills for Italian sausages, pork chops, steaks, ribs, chicken, (bring on the wings!) and of course, burgers and hot dogs. Chili remains one of the most popular dishes, since it is easy to make ahead of time and is hot and filling, as well as lasagna, nachos, fajitas, and anything else that cooks quickly or is easily portable.

Sandwiches and subs are extremely popular, with reliable side dishes such as pasta and potato salads, vegetables dishes, specialty breads, and baked beans.

Choice desserts like cookies, bars and pound cakes are the easiest to handle.

Many tailgaters insists that it would not be a tailgate party without alcohol, but keep in mind other types of drinks: canned soda or juice, bottled water, cider, coffee, and/or cocoa is also great, and hot beverages also work really well in thermoses.

One of the most important things to consider is food safety: proper storage before you eat it, cooking it thoroughly, and storing leftovers. Have lots of ice and plenty of food safe storage containers or bags to handle any leftover food. Keep cold items cold, and hot items hot before eating, and make sure to bring a thermometer or two so there is no guessing about the temperature. Don’t leave perishable food out for more than two hours.

Don’t forget disposable plates, cutlery, napkins, condiments, salt and pepper, bottle and can openers, paper towels, folding tables, seating, and trash bags.

We attended the NC State/Wake Forest game last Saturday, and it was a sad sight when tailgaters pulled out after the game and left their trash behind all over the parking lot. Most of all, stay safe and have a great time!

Easy Chili Recipe

1 lb hamburger
1 chopped onion
Brown in skillet together and drain
Pour it in a large pot
Add:
1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
1 can tomatoes
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon oregano
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoon chili powder (or more to suit taste)
2 cans kidney beans with 4 cans of water

Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.

 

Buffalo Wings

4 to 5 pounds chicken wings
Black pepper
Salt
4 cups oil
½ stick butter or margarine
5 Tbsp. Tabasco or other hot sauce of choice (more or less, depending on taste)
1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

Chop off tip of each wing, and discard. Cut wing in half at the joint to make 2 pieces. Sprinkle on pepper and salt. Heat oil over high heat in a deep skillet, Dutch oven, or deep-fat fryer until it starts sizzle (around 400 degrees F). Add half the chicken wings and cook until crisp, stirring or shaking occasionally. When done, drain on paper towels and cook the remaining wings. Melt butter or margarine over medium heat in heavy saucepan, add hot sauce and vinegar. Stir well and remove immediately from heat. Place chicken in large pan or platter; pour the sauce on top, making sure to evenly coat each piece.

(These can be done ahead of time and kept warm in appropriate container if needed for travel.)

 

Baby Ruth Brownies

1 pkg. brownie mix
3 (2.1-ounce) Baby Ruth candy bars, chopped
1 (8-ounce) pkg. cream cheese, brought to room temperature
½ cup sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp. milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare brownie mix as directed on package, then stir in chopped candy. Pour into a greased 9x13" baking pan.

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and milk to the cream cheese mixture and blend well. Drizzle cream cheese mixture over brownie batter and swirl with a knife to create a marbled look. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Remove brownies from oven and cool completely in pan, on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

 

Faye’s Reece’s Candy
Shared by Faye Brown

1 box powdered sugar
1 (12-oz.) jar peanut butter, smooth or crunchy
1 stick of butter, softened

Mix together and press into a tray or pan.

1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips, melted and spread over peanut butter mixture. Cool and cut into squares

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispies

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups butterscotch chips
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 ½ cups peanut butter
7 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Cook sugar and syrup over medium heat until it begins to boil. Remove from heat and add peanut butter; then add cereal. Pack this mixture into an 11-by-15-inch pan lined with a large piece of waxed paper. When it will hold its shape, lift it out of the pan by lifting the ends of the waxed paper. Place butterscotch chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat 1 minute on medium heat. Add the chocolate chips. Heat about 3 minutes on medium heat or until melted. Spread the melted mixture on the cereal mixture. Cut when cool.