Like many things, this year’s football season is anything but typical. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still participate in game day festivities. While official tailgate parties are likely off the menu this season, you can always set up a tailgate in your driveway – or even share in the pre-game excitement with neighbors by hosting a tailgate celebration in a neighborhood common area or cul-de-sac (practicing social distancing and other safety precautions, of course).
Whether you are flaunting your pride for your hometown team or just want to relax and eat good food, check out these must-try, hometown favorites for some of the NFL’s most popular teams – the perfect recipes for game day. Don’t forget to show your team spirit by decorating your tailgate area with team logo and colors and wearing your favorite team’s jersey.
Atlanta Falcons (Atlanta, GA). If the Falcons are your team of choice, it is imperative that you include peach cobbler in your menu when planning your game day celebration. Made from bourbon-soaked peaches, cinnamon and brown sugar, this decadent treat of absolute melt-in-your-mouth delight can sweeten a victory or soften a defeat for any Falcons fan. Don’t forget to add a layer of crumble topping for the perfect crunch and peach-filled bliss.
Dallas Cowboys (Dallas, TX). Texas-style smoked brisket takes a Cowboys tailgate party to a new level. Smoked brisket seasoned with salt and pepper and then slowly cooked over hickory or oak charcoal for 10 to 12 hours adorns the smokers and plates of countless Cowboys fans during game season. Fans can even purchase branded barbeque sets emblazoned with the team’s insignia. No wonder that, to these devoted fans, game day is synonymous with brisket day.
New England Patriots (Boston, MA). Creamy New England-style clam chowder will make any tailgate event a memorable occasion. Simmering on New England stoves and cooking fires for centuries, this hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soup can be made with either fresh or canned clams (we recommend fresh!). A fan of Manhattan-style tomato base chowder? Leave it at home on game day. Creamy New England style chowder is the only way to go.
New York Giants (New York, NY). You are not a true blue-blood New Yorker if you have not heard of Italian meatball hero sliders. These small sandwich wonders consist of bite-sized meatballs made of parmigiana cheese and ground beef rolled onto crusty bread that is topped with a spicy tomato-based sauce. On a chilly fall or a wintery day, while rooting for the Giants, this dish will definitely warm your spirits.
San Francisco 49ers (San Francisco, CA). A lavish entree featuring bright red crab claws rising dramatically from a steaming bowl of tomato-laden broth never fails to delight the eyes and taste buds. This iconic, San Francisco-native seafood stew called cioppino will bring a sense of culinary adventure to any game day celebration. Whether you make it with butter, leeks, scallops, celery or sage – or cook it up thick or thin – this savory dish can be adjusted to suit individual taste. There is no wrong way to make it!
Following are some must-have items for an enjoyable tailgate celebration.
Tailgate Essentials
- Barbecue tools and equipment (grill, smoker, tongs, charcoal, lighter, etc.)
- Coolers, ice and plenty of your favorite beverages
- Prepped food ready for grilling and serving (don’t forget the condiments!)
- Utensils, cups and napkins
- Folding tables and chairs
- Canopy for shade and protection from the elements
- Sunscreen (and insect repellant in warmer, wetter climates)
- Garbage bags (make sure you leave your tailgate spot as clean as you found it!)
To prepare the perfect tailgate dishes prior to your event, why not cook up something special in an Elmira Stove Works range or Northstar range? You can also serve a perfectly chilled glass of your preferred brew on demand with our Northstar Keg Fridge – perfect for a garage, basement or man cave. And our appliances are available in your favorite team’s colors for an extra helping of spirit!