This post is sponsored by EA Sports NCAA Football 2011.
Most of the other bloggers around SBN will be using today's post to tout their particular "tailgating" traditions, but since its fairly well known around here that I'm a crotchety, superstitious old man that prefers to watch games in the comfort of my own home, I'll just clue y'all in on how I typically spend Saturdays in the fall.
First, there would be no Saturday without Friday night, which is when you will typically find me at a local grocery store picking up whatever it is I intend to make the next day. It could be as simple as burgers and hot dogs or a full blown brunch spread for the early kick offs, but whatever it is if it's game day I'm going to cook up something. Often times the sustenance of choice winds up being chili, because chili is awesome, especially when I make it. And since we haven't done a RBR Tailgating post in awhile...
Todd's Awesome Chili (yes, I call it that, because it is awesome)
1 lb ground beef (or turkey), browned and drained (combine the fat with about 1 tbsp of flour to make a roux that will help thicken the chili)
2 cups water
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight
1 large red onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
2 packets Taco Seasoning
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp red pepper
1 6 oz can tomato paste
2 4 oz cans green chilies
Throw it all in a crock pot and cook it on low for 8 hours. Serve with cheese and corn bread, or whatever.
Of course, the problem with all day preparations like chili or barbecue are the meals in between. It does you know good to stuff up with burgers and hot dogs all day only to find yourself unable to enjoy the fruits of your labor. That's why God gave us chips and salsa, and also salads from Zaxby's.
Second, beverages. I'm not much of a drinker and will only occasionally have a beer or two when appropriate (i.e. other people's tailgates/parties/whatever where that's all they've got), but if there isn't a jug of sweet tea and a 24 pack of Coke in the fridge then Saturday just ain't right. I drink disturbingly unhealthy amounts of Coke and sweet tea throughout the year, but come fall you could prick me with a needle and get pure sugary goodness fit for bottling.
Third, the proper game day attire is a must. I'm sure you all remember my inappropriate, scandalously tight lucky game day shirt:
Don't worry, it is always worn as an undershirt.
So now it's y'all's turn: what's your game day like?