What's Cooking in the Parking Lot

By Sue Ann Truitt Posted: October 1st, 2011



Tailgating has morphed from no listing in Webster’s Dictionary to the most socialable occasion in the country. Preparation is imperative and fun is guaranteed. Everyone can tailgate whether it be Keeneland, Commonwealth Stadium, or your child’s soccer game.
First plan the menu—keeping it very simple so as much as possible can be done in advance. For example, if burgers are the fare, make them ahead of time. Each pattie should be no thicker than ¾ inch or they take too long to cook. Freeze meat between sheets of wax paper and take to the event while frozen. Cook 3-4 minutes on each side.
Make a list of everything one could possibly need for this parking lot party. Some veteran tailgate pros suggest lamina-ting this list so it can be used over and over. Suggestions are: zip lock bags – freezer style are stronger, heavy duty foil, frozen bottled water for drinking and for freezer packs, coolers, jumbo cups, grills, hand wipes, large garbage bags, first aid kit, and on and on. Large baskets are easy for transporting items to the event and may be used for storing equipment afterwards.
Tailgating at a sporting event requires one to arrive very early, maybe 3 to 4 hours prior. Select the best parking spot—ideally next to a grassy area. Upon arrival, DECORATE! Banners balloons, umbrellas, etc. will certainly help your friends to locate you. Wearing the team colors is a must.
After arriving and decorating it is time to meet your neighbors and greet your friends. Corn hole and a football to pass can entertain while the food is being set up. The rest is just plain fun.
When the event is over, everyone will come back to your tailgate area. Planning should include food and drink for this time as well. Leftovers will not be popular so maybe a dessert is a good offering. The host and hostess must always be keenly aware of food safety—cold needs to stay cold and hot needs to stay hot. Be careful that no one pulls out the mayonnaise based salad that had remained on the table during the game.
Lastly, when the quests are gone, everything that has been brought into the area must go out—all trash and all recyclable items must be removed from the premises. Adhering to this “good neighbor policy” assures that tailgating will continue as the fun, lively occasion that it is meant to be.
 


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