Throw the Best Tailgating & Homegating Parties

What goes naturally with watching sports? Eating, of course! Spectator sports go hand-in-hand with food of all sorts, from simple snacks to elaborate tailgating and homegating parties that combine the love of the game with the fun of good food and great company.

Tailgating sure isn't’t a new concept. It’s an activity that’s been practiced for decades. While most often associated with football, tailgating has caught on with sports lovers of all kinds, including those who enjoy both professional and college athletics.

Homegating

These days, some fans have also taken to “homegating” – throwing a party that’s just like tailgating but enjoyed in the comfort of one’s own home or backyard. Either way, good food and good sports are the ideal prescription for a great day with friends.True tailgating experts know exactly what they need to bring along to make their meal complete and delicious!

BBQ Grills
Considered essential tailgating gear, a bbq grill is in heavy use at just about every tailgate set-up.. Whether its a small, portable grill, a classic Weber, a Big Green Egg, a smoker or anything in between, nothing "fires up" the senses more than the smell of fresh food on the bbq! We've listed some of our favorites for you below.

Remember Food Safety;

In addition, packing correctly is essential for food safety. Foods that must stay very cold should be at the bottom of your picnic cooler, for example, and meats should always be kept separate from one another (and everything else) in zip-lock freezer bags. Salads and anything with mayonnaise should be in tightly sealed containers. A good rule-of-thumb? If something’s left out for more than an hour, don’t eat it! Finally, don’t forget things like tableware, knives, cutting boards, seasonings and condiments, and portable bar ware (travel bar sets, wine totes, etc.) for mixing and serving your favorite mixed drinks.

The wonderful thing about tailgating and homegating is that they can be enjoyed all year long. College tailgating is especially popular during the NCAA’s March Madness. This annual spring celebration of the best college basketball teams in the country draws huge crowds, some of whom gather at on-campus arenas and others who enjoy the games at home. Either way, it’s an opportunity for creating great recipes for all to share.

Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Ingredients

• 6 oz. lean ground beef per burger
• Shredded cheese (choose your favorite like bleu, pepper jack, cheddar, or manchego)
• Chopped onions
• Crisp bacon, crumbled
• Rolls
• Condiments

Directions

1. Use about 4 oz. of meat to form the bottom part of the patty.
2. Make a small rim about the edge and fill the center with cheese, onions, bacon, and any other favorites like peppers, olives, sautéed mushrooms, etc.
3. Top with remaining 2 oz. of meat and press together to seal and form a patty.
4. Grill until desired doneness.
5. Place on a roll and add mustard, ketchup, ranch or thousand island dressing, mayo, or other favorite toppings.

Side dishes and other accompaniments generally include salads, potatoes, and – of course – plenty of munchies like nachos, chips and dip, and more. There’s always lots of room for dessert (finger foods are best) and the beer and soft drinks keep flowing.

Sports fans that choose to gather with friends at home rather than at a sports venue are also eager to break out the patio grills and BBQ tools for some tasty grilled specialties. Some opt for the traditional while others choose more healthy tailgating recipes. This might include seafood selections such as cedar plank-grilled salmon, skewered marinated shrimp, or even a traditional seafood bake featuring clam, shrimp, scallops, corn, and tomatoes. Other healthy main dishes that are great for a homegating picnic are oven-baked crispy chicken, chicken or turkey chili, and veggie or Portobello burgers. Hosts can set the menu or ask friends to bring along their favorite game-day dish.

Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

Ingredients (Serves 10)

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped
• 1 qt. canned tomatoes
• 15 oz. can corn (do not drain)
• 15 oz. can kidney beans
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 med. onion, chopped
• ½ c. salsa
• 1 pkg. taco seasoning
• Cooking spray

Directions

1. Sear chicken in pan coated with cooking spray.
2. Combine all other ingredients in a slow cooker, add chicken, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Feeds about 10 hungry sports fans.

What makes March Madness tailgating even more fun is adding some school spirit to the party! Fans can purchase a variety of tailgating supplies that feature college basketball school logos, including such tailgating gear as grills, folding chairs, serving trays, glasses and mugs, tents, coolers, party buckets, and so much more. These items are decorated with team colors and designs and let others know just what team is your favorite. At www.picnic-basket.com, you can find gear for all your favorite college teams, proudly displaying it at your next March Madness party.

Compliments of Picnic-Basket.com | 1-800-861-8823