By Seared Lightly

     Tailgating now sweeps the land as college & pro stadium parking areas 
fill with -hungry fans.  We encourage practitioners of this culinary excursion 
to observe some rather obvious rules: (1) pack your vehicle with non 
perishable items, including folding chairs & table, the night before departure; (2) make sure your propane tank is full; (3) fill a large cooler or 
two with ice and beverages before embarking for the arena; (4) get to the 
parking area early; (5) do your prep work at home, so heating & grilling 
functions at the game are minimal.

We consider Chili a must for fan consumption.  The following preparation bans beans (as any loyal Texan would approve), will serve up to 12.

                 TOUCHDOWN CHILI

         3 1/2 lbs. Beef Stew Meat, chunked
         1/4 cup cooking oil
         2 Onions, coarsely chopped
         3 Green Peppers, coarsely chopped
         4 cloves Garlic,n peeled & chopped
         2 large cans stewed Tomatoes
         1/3 cup Chili Powder
         1/4 cup Brown Sugar
         3/4 tsp Cracked Black Pepper

    At home the night before, brown meat cubes in oil in, preferably, a large 
cast iron kettle, remove & set aside...reserve 1/2 cup Onions, brown remainder with Peppers & Garlic (10 min.).  Return Meat to pot, add Tomatoes & seasonings and cook over medium heat 15 minutes while stirring.  Now you only need to reheat when you hit the parking lot...the chopped Onions you set aside should be set out with a generous bowl of grated extra sharp Cheddar Cheese so that guests can adorn their individual servings.  A couple of bags of Corn Chips are also advised.

The heating equipment you brought to the game must include a grill, and over 
this you should singe some Sausages...we prefer an assortment of flavors in a 
a size that fits hot dog buns. Dress these Dogs with a mixture of Dijon 
Mustard & Mayo.  Slice Tomatoes and Cucumbers at game site to add a touch of good health to your feast.  Another addition we favor is the following, which can be whipped up in five minutes at home prior to departure:

                  PIGSKIN PEPPER DIP
     
           1 cup Blue Cheese Salad Dressing of choice
           4 tbsp. chopped Roasted Red Peppers from a jar, patted dry

    Blend Dressing and Peppers and you've got a toothsome dip to accept any 
crackers or chips of choice.

Football fans can get quite creative when it comes to alcoholic accompaniment to a tailgate picnic.  We recommend the simplicity of bottled microbrews which you iced down in a cooler.  If you must be more flamboyant, fill two large vacuum thermoses, one with a Bloody Mary concoction, the other with Vodka, Tonic and Lime slices.  Serve these in waxed cups with some of that ice you brought.

Now it's game time!

© 2003 Oregon Magazine