I know it’s not a completely Southern thing but we do seem to turn a lot of words that aren’t verbs into verbs…like “tailgate.” It’s actually part of a pickup truck but everyone knows around here that it means a party like no other. Yes, it’s that time of year. The first college football weekend started for most schools last week. The professional teams kicked off (literally) their seasons this week, and the Friday night high school games started a couple of weeks ago. And with the start of football season, it can only mean one thing: tailgate.

You all know I don’t really need a reason to have a social gathering but a football tailgate party is one of my favorites. It all started in college. Steve and I went to the University of Kentucky–an SEC school typically known for its winning basketball teams but that didn’t seem to faze the thousands of football fans that would come out to Commonwealth Stadium, as it was called back in the day, to watch the Wildcat football team take on whichever team they happened to be playing. I do like football, always have, but I really only went for the party!

Tailgating is like a religion around here–and it was back when I was in college, too. There were elaborate set-ups, tents, tables, chairs, food and plenty of adult beverages, and one group even brought their hot tub so fans could watch the game on TV and soak at the same time. Legendary. Now, I don’t quite go to those extremes but I do love a good tailgate and all of the things that go with it.

Tailgate parties evolve through the football season, too. I love it when there is a chill in the air and it’s sweater weather. The tailgate menu features soups or chili and all that goes with it. But now, we are coming off a slight heatwave, the menu will have to suit the weather. Although I love a good soup any time of the year, it’s still a bit warm outdoors for chili on the tailgate menu.

I love planning a party and planning a tailgate is a lot of fun! There are only a few rules. You need comfortable seating, a table to set out the food, several coolers full of ice, beverages, and food. Plenty of food. A tent is a bonus. Decorations can be as simple or as elaborate as you want them to be. I always try to tie in the team’s colors in the napkins and tablecloths. Throwaway plates, cups, and utensils are also a must. The more times you have a tailgate party, the more you learn about what you really need and what you do not.

Pimento Cheese is always on the menu, It’s very versatile and can be used for sandwiches or any variety of ways. Our beer cheese is also a popular menu item. Beer cheese is a big Kentucky tradition and it’s perfect for a football tailgate party. Serve it as a dip with crackers and veggies or use it as part of a cheese or charcuterie board display. Our pepper jelly is also a good choice and can be used as a simple topping for cream cheese or as a dipping sauce or a glaze for chicken wings. It is a versatile ingredient. And don’t forget the bourbon honey mustard, which is perfect on a grilled hot dog. Any and all of the items I’ve mentioned are also perfect as a topping for a grilled hamburger.

But for my next tailgate, I’ve decided to go a little vintage. So of course I pulled out the little yellow notebook full of recipes from my Mother. There is always a recipe for every occasion and sure enough, I found Nancy’s Canapes as I was flipping through the pages. Mom’s handwritten note above the recipe said, “Remember these? Nancy fixed them for us many years ago.” Nancy was a dear friend of my Mom’s.

When I first saw the word canapes I thought this was a fancy recipe but when I started reading it, I realized it was a vintage classic recipe that I call “Hanky Pankys.” Nancy’s recipe calls for that gooey, yellow processed cheese (you know what I am talking about) and you can use that or you can jazz it up a bit by using American, cheddar, or any cheese that you like. I think a combination of cheese would be good, too. As always, I like to take a good recipe and add a curious twist. Changing up the cheeses would be that twist. Also, I was in a bit of a panic because the brand that made the party rye bread has stopped making them but I did a little digging at the grocery and found another brand that will work just fine. They are so simple to make and even more delicious.

Another vintage recipe is one that I have shared many times before but it is absolutely one of my favorites and also easy to make. Figgy Piggies are my curious twist on Pigs in a Blanket…another favorite childhood food memory. My Mother would always make them for any party or gathering she was having at the house–and sometimes even for Christmas as a special treat. Adding the fig spread just makes them even more delicious. And just like I remember, Hanky Pankys and Figgy Piggies are always the first things to disappear at a party.

It’s almost time for the weekend, so get out there and enjoy the game–whether it is at home with family and friends, or actually at the game. It’s always a good time for a tailgate party. Go Cats and Cheers!

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