Tailgate temptations

Try these ideas for a stress-free party.

Family Features

The weather is getting cooler. Leaves are beginning to change colors. It’s time to break out your tailgate gear and cheer on your favorite team! Whether it’s college or professional football, soccer or rugby, everyone is gearing up for the ultimate tailgate party.

Entertaining an enthusiastic crowd can be overwhelming, but with some advance planning, you don’t have to set yourself up for a loss. Try these ideas for a stress-free and memorable tailgate, courtesy of Joan C. Hanson, test kitchen director for Hormel Foods.

Easy entertainment

UGet in the game: Bring an activity such as bean bags, football or Frisbee and encourage a friendly competition of your own.

URock and roll: Create a playlist or CD of sports-themed/team specific songs to play on an outdoor radio to get everyone in the spirit.

UPicture perfect: Have a camera available for visitors to capture candid moments. After the event, use an online service to create a team-inspired collage and send to everyone as a fun keepsake.

Secrets to Success

UBe prepared: Keep plenty of napkins and disposable plates, cups and utensils handy to minimize messes, in team colors naturally!

USave time: Try convenient, pre-prepared items that contain all the flavor of homemade, such as Lloyd’s BBQ products, which offer a variety of delicious prepared shredded beef, chicken and pork to please even the pickiest eaters.

USweet surprise: Bring ingredients for an unexpected dessert that is fun to make and eat, such as s’mores for the grill, to get everyone involved in cooking.

Cool tailgate weather calls for hearty sandwiches to satisfy your hungriest team members. Try this recipe for Toasty Tailgate BBQ Chicken Sandwiches.

Toasty Tailgate BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

1 (18-ounce) container Lloyd’s BBQ chicken in original BBQ sauce

8 to 10 cocktail or junior-size hamburger buns

1 red onion, thinly sliced

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Assorted condiments such as pickles, jalape ±os or coleslaw

Heat grill. Spoon chicken into each bun. Top with onion and cheese. Wrap each sandwich in foil and roll up ends. Grill sandwiches 10 minutes. Carefully remove sandwiches from grill, unwrap and serve with favorite condiments. Also great with Lloyd’s BBQ beef or pork varieties.

XFor additional time-saving tailgate recipes, visit www.hormelfoodsrecipes.com.

Source: Hormel Foods