It’s finally September! The kids are back in school and the marching bands are warming up. It’s time to get the grills ready, pack the cooler, don yourself head to toe in school colors, and cheer on your favorite football team.
There’s no better way to get the month started than a long holiday weekend. No, I’m not talking about Labor Day, I’m talking about National Tailgating Day. Saturday, September 3, marks the annual event (although I doubt most diehard tailgaters would need an excuse to celebrate). So whether you’re tailgating at the stadium before the game, or hosting a watch party from your couch, here are the only three ingredients you need to honor the “holiday.”
1. FOOTBALL
Obviously. Tailgating and football just go hand in hand.
Although the NFL will be wrapping up their preseason and won’t be in action yet, the football gods didn’t leave you hanging. There is a full day of college football scheduled for National Tailgating Day with great games all day.
Saturday kicks off with the #3 Oklahoma Sooners (Boomer!) as they pay a visit to the #15 Houston Cougars.
Action continues in the afternoon as the #5 LSU Tigers head to Lambeau Field to take on the Wisconsin Badgers.
As a nightcap, don’t miss the clash of the heavyweights as the #20 USC Trojans battle the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
For the full college schedule, click here.
2. FOOD
Tailgating requires some seriously delicious snacks. Here are a few of my tailgating go-to goodies.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
One of the best Crock-Pot recipes I’ve found is this spicy buffalo chicken. Plus, it doesn’t have too many calories! Here’s all you need to create this tasty dip that’s sure to be the hit of the party.
- 3 to 4 chicken breasts, frozen or raw
- Half a bottle of Louisiana Wing Sauce
- One packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
Optional - A dash of garlic seasoning
- 2 tbsp. butter
- Combine all ingredients (besides the butter) in the crockpot and leave on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Shred the chicken with a fork.
- If you’re adding butter, do so at this time.
- Leave the chicken on for an hour or until done.
- Once the chicken’s done, garnish with chives and serve with chips.
Although it will add to the calorie count, I’ve also served it in a bread bowl. Now, that goes fast! Plus, not only is it awesome, I’ve found the leftovers make a delicious salad topping. Double win!
For my second famous recipe, I’ve got a tasty hot and sweet dip.
Special Note: For this recipe, I recommend using the Jake and Amos Hot and Sweet Pepper Relish, which you can find on their site here.
Hot & Sweet Dip
- 16-oz jar of Jake and Amos Hot and Sweet Pepper Relish.
- 1 16-oz block of cream cheese
- Mix the two together and enjoy with crackers. It’s that simple and incredibly delicious.
Now, you need something to wash it down with…
3. FUN
A refreshing adult beverage is sure to do the trick! Here’s a recipe for a party drink I like to call the Fumblerooski. The best part—it’s tasty and easy on the budget!
The Fumblerooski
- A pitcher of water
- Your favorite flavor of Crystal Light mix
- 1 Cup Orange Juice
- Half a bottle of Champagne
- Spiced Rum (you can determine how much to use)
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and serve over ice. For the advanced bartenders, garnish with lemon, lime, strawberry, or preferred fruit.
As you can see, there are several things to love about National Tailgating Day. So kick your feet up, relax, and enjoy responsibly!
