Tasty Tailgating

by Brian Simkins

One of the best parts of summer is going to the ball game. One of the best parts of going to the ball game is the food, specifically the food that you cook and share with a myriad of other fans in the parking lot before the game. Tailgating has become a great American tradition that is laden with family history, secret recipes, and time honored traditions that pay homage to the home team. Here are some great ideas that you can utilize the next time you venture out to a game. Make your tailgate gathering the talk of the town.

Meat, of course, is one the number item on the menu at any tailgate gathering. Don’t settle though, for the standard hamburger and hot dog fare. There are ways that you can take these basic tailgating staples to the next level, and it starts in your kitchen at home. By making your own spice rubs and seasoning salts, you can honestly claim that you have a secret recipe. These rubs and salts are great on any virtually any variety of meat and can be sprinkled on every thing for jumbo gulf shrimp to a good old fashioned burger. Here are some basic ingredients that you will probably want to include in your rub, knowing of course, that you can add other little nuances to spice it up to fit your exact taste preferences.

Salt: This should be the base of any rub or spice mix that you make from scratch. It is inexpensive and helps to enhance the flavors of the other spices that you will add.

Ground Pepper: Most folks find that the flavor of freshly ground pepper much more satisfying that the other. This will also make up a large percentage of the base of any rub or spice mix.

Garlic Powder: Now you are getting into some real flavor. Start small with this and keep adding a little at a time until the flavor is where you like it. It’s easier to add more than it is to take it away if you add too much.

Onion Powder: This is the last of the staple items that you will want to include. Even if you don’t like eating onions, you will most likely find that the onion powder offers a tangy twist to the rub.

Once you have this basic mixture down, you can separate it and begin to make smaller distinctive batches. Make one that is really spicy to challenge your friend who thinks he can eat anything. Make another one slightly sweet, so that it will caramelize over the surface of the meat. You can enhance the garlic in another, and make still a fourth with a southwestern flair. Here are some additional spices that you may want to have on hand as you put together your custom rub and season salt.

Cayenne Pepper: This one brings the heat. Start with just a little and add slowly until you reach the desired level of potency. Make sure you wash your hands well after you handle it also. If you rub your eyes with any cayenne residue on your fingers, you’ll be crying for days.

Cumin: This is a staple in any South Western or Tex-Mex type flavoring. A little goes a long way, so be careful.

Chili Powder: Most purists won’t use this because it’s not technically a spice, but it tastes great and is an easy way to add some additional kick to any rub that you find a little bland.

Crushed Red Pepper: This is a great one. It probably could have been included in the basics list, but since it tends to have larger chunks, not every one likes to use it. Not too spicy, it just provides a nice, full flavor and balance to your rub.

Start with these and see what you can create. As you continue to hone your own secret spice recipe, you will find other spices that complement or work well within your creation.

Tailgating Isn’t Just for Summer

Though it stands as a great summer time tradition, in many Northern climates, the art of tailgating carries on into the winter months as fans gather early in the frosty air for football.

This is a great opportunity for some to show off their chili recipes. If you are going to a game on a cold day and want to organize a fun activity, arrange for a chili cook off between everyone in your party. Not only will you enjoy some great food yourself, but also you will get a great chance to meet those around you, because everyone is going to smell what’s going on and want a little taste.

Designate who is going to make what before you head out. Make sure you have one person making a traditional chili, and another a Tex-Mex. Some can include pasta while others are just vegetable. There are also a number of great recipes out there for white chili if you want to add a unique twist to the culinary portion of your game day festivities.

Whatever you decide to do, remember that with tailgating, its all about fun. This is a great place for you to be creative and to share the secrets and tricks that you have learned from the generations of rabid sports fans who have gone before you. The only bond that is stronger than the one between fans of the home team is a bond between fans that includes good, hot, food.

Brian Simkins is a freelance writer living in Chicago. He enjoys using his 14 years of home improvement experience to educate and equip new home owners.