Tailgating by Joe Drozda and Bob Bley
(Here are the first five commandments; the rest will follow next week.)
I. Thou shall plan ahead
Nothing is worse than a hap-hazard tailgate party. You need to coordinate with others to settle on menu items and the assignment thereof. It’s also important to decide who brings what equipment. A four-person tailgate doesn’t need two heavy-duty girlls and eight folding chairs.
II. Thou shall arrive early and not rush
Tailgating is a relaxed time for friends to eat, drink and socialize. You are back on campus or at a professional stadium for the day. Enjoy yourself like a grown-up. Don’t cause stress by having to rush in the setting-up of your equipment. Even more important (for food safety, see Commandment 9), don’t rush your food preparation.
III. Thou shall not diet
Nothing ruins the fun at a tailgate party more than a vocal self-appointed judge of cholesterol, calories, triglycerides and anything else that can be brought to attention as you take the second bite of some scrumptious food. Sure we all have to watch what we eat, but many medical people say that you can eat most anything in moderation. So, even the most sinful deserts are allowed if one doesn’t overdo things. The food at a tailgate party should be similar to foods you’d serve on your patio or deck when you have guests over for a cookout.
IV. Thou shall display your colors
Your tailgate party should be a festive tasteful expression of school and or team spirit. If you would decorate your yard for a Fourth of July cookout, shouldn’t you do the same for a tailgate party at your stadium? Show your colors. You can buy flags and banners to fly over your tailgate and clothes that are in school/team colors with the latest super graphics and logos.
V. Thou shall not be boorish
If you would have guests to your house or were to visit the home of a friend, there would be a certain accepted cordial behavior. The same cordiality should be present at your tailgate site. Be kind to visitors from the other school/teams. Thank them for coming and offer them a drink. Nothing will do more to spread good cheer than a warm greeting from you and the offer of a drink. They will melt.
Here’s a good warm-weather recipe for everyone’s favorite dish, deviled eggs.
Fiery Deviled Eggs
Ingredients:
12 large Eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon Vinegar
Lettuce Leaves
3 tablespoons FRANK’S® RedHot® Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sour Cream
1/2 cup Minced Celery
1/4 cup minced Red Onion
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Directions:
Place eggs in a single layer in bottom of large saucepan; cover with water. Add vinegar to water. Bring to a full boil. Immediately remove from heat. Cover; let stand 15 minutes. Drain eggs and rinse with cold water. Set eggs in a bowl of ice water; cool.
Servings: 12 servings (about 1 1/2 cups filling) Prep Time: 40 Cook Time: 20
