The Tailgate Party

A Moveable Feast

Did you know tailgate parties originated as simple picnics to sustain football fans through a long game? Today they’re events in themselves, requiring a bit of planning to pull off successfully. You can get ready for the game and earn some fans by throwing the best tailgate party in your parking section. Just follow our simple tailgate tips:

• Plan your menu and do most of the prep work a day or two before the game. Pack all of your non-perishables the night before to avoid forgetting something in the pre-game rush.
• Keep the menu simple and pack prepared food in disposable containers.
• Make a list of the items you need and check items off your list as you pack. Click here for a list of tailgating essentials.
• On game day, have a plan to beat the crowd. Any good tailgater knows that the party starts at least 3 to 4 hours before kickoff. Get there early and claim your turf.
• If you plan to grill at your tailgate, make sure your propane tank is full before packing your grill. If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure you have plenty of charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid before you leave.
• Packing your cooler properly is essential. Make sure the first food you plan to eat is the last item you pack in the cooler so it will be easy to access. If you plan to bring raw meat, make sure to keep it separated from ready-to-eat food and beverages.
• Avoid the mess of a cooler full of melted ice by filling up old soda bottles and freezing them. The frozen bottles will keep items cool and they are easy to empty once the ice is melted and you are ready to go home.
• Find a good spot to park, such as next to a grassy area or at the end of a row to give yourself more room to spread out. Look for shade on a hot day or bring a tent if you think you’ll have room.
• Fly balloons or banners in your team colors to mark your spot.
• Tune in the radio or TV to your local sports station to get all of the pre-game talk. If you plan to set up a portable satellite device, make sure you remember your stand and a compass to help set the satellite.
• Serve food at least 1/ ½ hours before the game starts to allow plenty of time to eat, clean up and extinguish fires and water down hot coals.
• Pick up all trash and leave the area clean before you head into the game.
• Plan to stay a while after the game. Avoid the headache of traffic and enjoy the postgame party while you wait.

Along with my corn today I have cooked up a Smithfield Peppercorn and Garlic Tenderloin that is going to be perfect with this.

Y'all this Smithfield Naturally Hickory Smoked Sausage is out of this world dipped down in that cheese.

This wonderful layered dip is as good and easy as it sounds.

These bacon wrapped breadsticks are a little crispy and a little savory - perfect for any occasion.

Appetizers don't get any easier or tastier than these pretty pinwheels, made with only four simple ingredients.

Is your family fighting the burger boredom? Use ground pork instead. Have all your favorite condiments out to build your own burger. Or try some suggested toppers for burgers with a flair. Serve with potato chips, fresh fruit salad and ice cold tea.