Win the Tailgate
The season is here for fall sports games, food, and fun! Spending the afternoon, evening or an entire day tailgating is a great way to cultivate friendships, create lasting memories, and relieve stress. However, without the right planning, it could take an otherwise enjoyable time and turn it into a headache. Check out these tips to prepare and take your tailgating activities to the next level.
Have the Right Equipment and Supplies
Create and use a packing checklist to keep from overlooking useful items that you will thank yourself for having later! See below for ideas to create your own.
Know Your Venue Rules and Regulations
Learn where you’ll be setting up your site and make sure to know where you can park, how long you can be there, any fees or tickets needed, and what their requirements are for food, alcohol, and more.
Plan a Game-Friendly Menu
Keep both time and temperature in mind in relation to when you’ll be having food served. Using a meat thermometer, crockpot, and coolers can help keep food safe and make the process easier so you spend less time prepping and more time having fun.
Enlist Help
Have a buddy or two to help set up, bring supplies, and clean up. The extra hands will not only be appreciated but more fun, too.
Prepare for the Weather
Dress appropriately. If it’s going to be hot be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and consider bringing a tent for shade or rain. For the cold, wear extra layers, hats, and gloves, plus have blankets on hand to keep warm.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Nothing makes an event more stressful than not having enough time for set up so plan to arrive earlier rather than later for a smoother experience.
Tailgate Tech
Here are a few unique ideas for items to utilize or invest in to level up your tailgating experiences.
Power Inverter
Use it to charge your phone, tablet, portable speaker, or power a crockpot or electric grill.
Portable Electric Generator
Portable power without the noise of a gas generator, this can give you flexibility to power many items throughout the day.
Portable Grill
It greatly increases the number of things you can cook at your tailgate – and the aroma will bring everyone together.
Digital Meat Thermometer
Check temps quickly, easily, and accurately throughout the cooking and serving process to keep food safe.
Winning Food
Bring a crockpot for this easy to heat and serve, Nebraska-inspired dish.
Dorothy’s Game Day Chicken Chili
Ingredients
3 (16-oz.) cans Great Northern Beans
6 c. chicken broth
1 onion, chopped and sautéed
4 cloves minced garlic
2 (4-oz.) cans chopped, mild green chilies
1 (10-oz.) can Rotel diced tomatoes and
Green chilies
1 1/2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 (16-oz.) container sour cream
3/4 c. Dorothy Lynch Home Style
3 c. grated Monterey Jack cheese
3 cooked chicken breasts, cubed
Instructions
Put beans and chicken broth in pan and bring to a boil.
Add sautéed onions, garlic, chilies, can of Rotel, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Add sour cream and Dorothy Lynch and stir.
Reduce heat and add chicken and cheese.
Serve with corn or tortilla chips, and raw carrots and celery.
Stir until cheese melts and continue stirring to keep cheese from burning.
Number of Servings: 6
PREP CHECKLIST
These are must-haves for the tailgate:
☐ Coolers with ice
☐ Extra water for drinking and cleaning
☐ Folding table and folding chairs
☐ Plastic tablecloth
☐ Portable grill (don’t forget propane or charcoal and lighter fluid)
☐ Matches or lighter
☐ Grilling utensils
☐ Meat thermometer
☐ Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
☐ Reusable or paper plates
☐ Plastic utensils and cups
☐ Paper towels
☐ Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer
☐ Bottle opener
☐ Plastic containers and zip-top bags for leftovers
☐ Trash bags/cans
☐ Portable sound system or Bluetooth speakers
☐ Mobile charger
☐ Disposable gloves (for easier, safer handling of raw meat)
☐ Yard games
☐ Tent (don't forget anchoring stakes or weights)
