Smart Leisure

(ARA) - It’s college football season -- that time of year when campuses buzz with team spirit as fans gather together to root for their favorite teams. Along with the games comes a great American tradition -- tailgating. Stadium parking lots across the country are filled with pre-game partiers enjoying everything from simple snacks to elaborate spreads served out of the back of a car or truck.

Some say the origin of tailgating goes back to 1869, when fans journeyed to football games by carriage and grilled sausages at the “tail end” of the horse. Yale University is also said to have started tailgating in the early 1900s when fans traveled to games in railroad cars and had to walk from the station, only to arrive hungry.

No matter when or how the tradition actually started, there’s no doubt that football and snacking go hand-in-hand and busy tailgaters need quick and easy solutions for their tailgating celebrations. Here are some fun and easy ways to start your own tailgating tradition and get a bigger kick out of college football season:

Tips for Tailgaters

Keep cool: If you bring a cooler, pack it strategically. Foods will maintain their temperature longer in a filled cooler, so fill in any extra space with ice cubes or frozen containers of water. Another tailgating tip is to use frozen bottles of water or juice boxes to help keep foods cool before the game, and then use them to quench thirst after the game when the ice begins to melt.

Satisfy ‘em with protein and bold taste: Provide satisfying protein-packed foods to tackle big appetites. "Jack Link's Beef Jerky is quite possibly the perfect tailgating snack. It is convenient, requires no refrigeration and is a better-for-you-snacking choice for hungry football fans -- both men and women alike. It is made with genuine 100 percent beef, tastes great, is naturally low in fat, calories and carbs, and is a natural source of protein -- plus it has no trans-fats,” says Marc Silverstein, host of several shows on The Food Network.Fun football flavors include Teriyaki Steak Nuggets or Original Beef Jerky.

Forkless foods: Pack bite-sized finger foods and eliminate the need for utensils. Precut veggies, fruits, crackers, cheese or dried foods such as sausage bites are good choices. Shelf-stable foods that don’t require refrigeration also will help you keep things simple and easy.

Re-closable and disposable: Zip-close bags simplify cleanup and save space in your vehicle. Pack foods in your own re-closable bags or choose prepared foods that come in zippered packages. Don’t forget to bring paper plates, plenty of napkins, some sanitizing hand wipes or gels, and even a roll of paper towels for spills. Pack a few empty zippered bags for leftovers and a garbage bag for the trash.

Stay hydrated: While tailgating, it's very important to stay hydrated. “Always make sure that you have a well-stocked cooler filled with a variety of beverages for both kids and adults,” Silverstein offers.

Give ‘em even more to root for: This year, get an extra kick out of football season -- give your tailgaters a voice in choosing the first-ever virtual college football national champion and the opportunity to win prizes. “If you’re a college football fan who is frustrated with the current college football ranking system, check out www.JackLinks.com. They’ve teamed up with ESPN to give fans a chance to help select the first ever virtual college football playoff champion! Now that’s great tailgating conversation,” Silverstein says.

By incorporating these tips into your next tailgating party, everyone will be able to enjoy the perfect combination of sports, food and fun.

Courtesy of ARAcontent
 

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