Football has been a part of my life since I was a small girl. My first football memories are watching the Pittsburgh Steelers games with my dad and nibbling throughout the day on the “football food” that my mom would prepare (a “make your own taco bar” was a personal favorite!). Over the years dad started to dabble in the kitchen and would prepare our game day fare — elaborate veggie platters with dip (each vegetable was cut into perfectly sized pieces), shrimp cocktails, mini bagel dogs, chicken wings, pickled herring, and guacamole with pretzels. This unusual assortment of goodies was just to whet our appetite for the main game day attraction – Dad’s Ribs. These legendary ribs are eagerly anticipated throughout our family and friends. The process starts the night before by soaking hickory chips in water — this will ensure that the chips will not burn when they are placed around the charcoal. To prep the meat before smoking, my Dad removes the rib membrane (skin covering the back) – his secret to ensure that the hickory penetrates the meat and rib bone. The ribs are then smoked for 2 hours in a kettle grill over indirect heat. After coming off the grill, they are basted with a tangy barbecue sauce that makes these ribs irresistible.

And now that I’ve hosted a few of these game days myself, I would like to pass along to you my winning game day picks.

PreGame – Guests Arriving

• Chips and salsa (I usually serve two types of salsa TSG Black Bean and Corn and a homemade version)
• Hummus and pita chips
• Crudité platter with assorted olives, cheeses, and flatbreads

End of 1^st Quarter

• Buffalo Chicken Dip (made easy with TSG Brazen Buffalo Blue Cheese Blend)
• Quesadillas – try the TSG Mango and Chicken Quesadillas or Tangy Quesadillas

Half Time

• Assorted Mini Sandwiches
• Thin Crust Pizzas

End of 3^rd Quarter

• Ice Cream Brownie Sundaes (made even easier using TSG Breathtaking Deep Chocolate Brownie Mix)

And don’t forget to offer assorted frosty beverages – Go Team!!

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It’s time for parent’s weekend at my daughter, Laura’s campus, which also happens to be my husband, Rick’s, alma mater. It will be a fun filled weekend of school spirit, orange and blue spirit that is, and overall collegiate good cheer.

When Rick attended this beautiful campus, the football team’s record was something to brag about. Although, the stats have changed–win or lose the tailgating begins!

Our annual tradition kicks off Saturday with friends, sun, fall foliage and plenty of noise. I’m looking forward to a reunion with family friends whose children also attend Laura’s school. I love seeing both generations enjoying each other more than ever. It really is a made for TV moment.

Tailgating without Cooking – Easy Meal Ideas

This year we have to pack light because we are flying into Pennsylvania. Our usual tailgating gear definitely won’t be fitting into our little rental car. Despite this minor setback, I’m ready to go!

Believe it or not I won’t be cooking. This year I’m relying on the local grocery store, Laura, who I have mentioned is a mean dorm room cook (name of article and link) and my trusty TSG.

Tailgating Snacks: A shopping list.

• Pigs in a blanket–the guy’s favorite.
  • This year we are improvising: pigs, forget the blanket, and topped with ketchup and Racy Wasabi Raspberry Mustard (ok I had to check my bag).
• Pre-cut fruit and vegetables
• Chips and pretzels
• Pre-packaged salad
• French baguette and cheese
• Fried chicken
• Beverage of choice

Bring on the Flavor! Two Sisters Gourmet spices and treats packed in my suitcase:

• Sample envelope of Over-The-Edge Herbed Spinach™
  • Mix with sour cream (buy at the store) to make a veggie dip.
• Snickerdoodle Sweet Cheeseball Mix

• Blend with whipped cream (buy at the store) to make a fruit dip.

Setting the Picnic Table – See you out there!

Set the table with a plastic table cloth and don’t let your friends miss out on the fun – pictures to follow!

Other great souces for tailgating ideas – cooking included!

• The tailgate food men crave
• Tailgating.com: a Web site dedicated to this American pastime
• Tailgating ideas galore – plus themes

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