Tailgate Prep

This weekend is one of THE biggest weekends in college football....FLORIDA vs. GEORGA aka The World's LARGEST outdoor cocktail party!!! Being a Jacksonville native, I'm a little partial to the FL/GA weekend, because around here, everything stops!! Businesses slow down on Thursday, store fronts are decked in Orange/Blue & Red/Black, students are even out of school (I think thats probably for a different reason...oh well). 

Each year, we gather our friends and travel downtown to join in all the festivities. Several years ago, we were lucky enough to meet these two precious ladies who sell their parking lot to us each year....best part is, their building has 2 REAL bathrooms...no more porta-potties for ME!!!! I love to tailgate!!! There's just something about everyone being in one part of town having the time of their lives that's hard to pass up. 

It always takes a good bit of pre-planning to pull off a decent tailgate. My hubs has got it down to a science and each year it get a little easier for me (even though I always want to do too much). It's nice to have good friends that join in, help out and it turns into a large potluck. I'm trying to organize my list of food for the day, so feel free to share any suggestions you have! 

Tailgate Menu:

Famous Hammy Sammies (aka warm ham sandwiches)

Picture Taken from Pinterest

Recipe adapted from a friend of a friend (I think that's how this recipe works):

2-4 tablespoons melted butter2 tablespoons brown sugar2 tablespoons dijon mustard2 teaspoons poppy seeds1-2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
Mix these ingredients together. Cut hawaiian sweet rolls in half and cover with chopped ham. Baste sauce over bread and ham. Wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until warm.  
Buffalo Chicken Bites (recipe adapted from Gourmet)
1 cup finely diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup hot sauce (Frank's brand is what I used)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Crescent Rolls (The real recipe includes        homemade dough...yeh right, this is for a tailgate!)

To make the buffalo chicken mixture, in a small bowl, combine the chicken, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, melted butter and hot sauce; set aside.

Roll out crescent rolls and press flat. Scoop spoonfuls of Buffalo Chicken Mixture into rows on the dough. After a row is made, roll the edge of the dough over to make a rope. Seal the rope with fingers, then slice 2 inch pieces with sharp knife. Repeat. 

Bake buffalo chicken bites in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned. Remove from oven (some cheese may have melted out.) and brush tops with melted butter before serving (optional).

Grilled Hamburgers and Hotdogs

Pigs -n- Blankets
Spinach Dip
Rice Krispie Treats
Fruit Dip with assorted fruit
Rasberry Beer

Food from others:
Macaroni and Cheese (homemade of course)
Baked Beans
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Charleston Dip
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brownies 

I am so excited for this weekend...I know it's going to be a BLAST!!! What are your plans? Have any recipe suggestions I should try? Feel free to stop by our tailgate if your around! Gators and Dawgs Welcome!!!! 
                                                                                        ~G