Well, we have been in the tailgating business for more years than I can remember. It started when we purchased and became one of the first Permanent Seat License Holders for the Carolina Panthers Football franchise, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The late Jerry Richardson brought the team to life and what a wonderful journey. Nothing can ever be perfect, but there is nothing quite like sitting there in those same seats watching players, seeing the same folks’ season after season and connecting. Back in the day the weather did not make much of a difference, and it does not for most folks who truly love the game. You either bundle up, or strip down- keep it PG though. Our adult sons were boys then, and we would plan the night before with our tailgating counterparts (families) who was bringing what to the table. Sometimes it would be the traditional Bojangles chicken box, with some homemade trimmings added, and desserts and chips, and plenty of waters and sodas, some iced tea, and of course beer. Don’t forget the tablecloths, napkins, paper plates, solo cups, plastic silverware, hand sanitizer (yes, I brought it before COVID hit the world) and paper towels, a water bottle (especially helpful if grilling brats, burgers and hot dogs). I would also recommend a first aid kit, as someone typically cuts a finger on a soda can, or a knife, or may even need a Benadryl for a insect bite. Do not forget ice and lots of it- a fan for the heat, and portable heaters for the cold. Another major important item is make sure you secure parking in an area where there is some type of cover or retreat from the elements, and/or take a couple of pop up tents. Make sure to add a football, some playing cards, a television if you can, and a small generator. This way you can maintain and be a part of the action from start to finish- pre-game to post game.
Here are a few of our favorite tailgate recipes that are ripe for sharing and travel well:
Seven Layer Bean Dip
Two large cans of refried beans
A can of jalapeno peppers drained.
A jar of some good salsa from the deli folks
A 16-ounce container of sour cream
A half head of chopped iceberg lettuce, real fine
16 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
A can of whole kernel corn
A package of taco seasoning mix
A quarter cup of Hidden Valley Ranch dry dressing mix
Layer ingredients in a large 24-inch pan beginning with the refried beans, then the corn and drained peppers, then add the lettuce and pour the fresh salsa over the top. Mix the taco seasoning and dry ranch dressing mix with the sour cream and frost your creation with it. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top.
Serve with a large bag of tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
Bourbon Brownies
I large box mix of your favorite brownie mix
I container of milk chocolate canned frosting
One quarter cup of bourbon
Half stick of butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring
2 cups of powdered sugar
Follow the directions on the brownie mix and bake as directed. When cool add the container of canned milk chocolate frosting. Then mix the next ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Frost with the bourbon, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar mixture- if it is too thick add a little more bourbon. If desired, you can also add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the mixture. Chill at least two hours and cut into bite size pieces. Enjoy!
Now, I have lots more recipes, but these are two crowd favorites. These recipes have made the pre-game show at high school games in the Charlotte area, college games, and yes at Clemson and the University of North Carolina- and most often at the Carolina Panthers for 16 years.
It is the season to enjoy the everlasting southern heat, the snap of a football, the chill of a Friday night lights game, the Saturday college arenas, at home for Watch Games, or at the college stadium, or at the NFL team shared by North and South Carolina- the Carolina Panthers. I am a fan forever. In fact, it does not matter who you really pull for in these parts- if you love football. Here in the south, it is a part of the tradition of fall and life.