Tips for Successful Tailgating

Football season is FINALLY here! That means hours in front of the television rooting on your team, visits to the stadium, watch parties, tailgating & FOOD!!! 

Hi everyone! I'm Chef Ashley Elliott. I'm a devout sports fanatic & lover of food. I often get asked how someone like myself who was Texas born & raised ends up in Central Ohio. My father is a native of Ohio and an OSU alum, and we spent many summers as well as holidays here. After high school, I attended culinary school in New York, and fate opened a door for the start of my journey as a chef in Columbus, Ohio.

In the coming weeks, I'll be sharing recipes, tips and time saving hacks that I've learned along the way to make football season that much more enjoyable.

With tailgating season upon us, it's time to fire up the grill and feed a crowd at the parking lot.

I often get asked what important tips I can give to ensure a successful tailgating get together. I swear by these quick Golden Rules.

1. Make sure you have your site picked out!!!

2. Make a checklist of essentials you'll need, from the forks, napkins, knives, tables, tents, chairs, grilling utensils, zip lock bags, and paper towels etc. WRITE IT DOWN.

3. Plan a menu & prep as much as you can at home. Marinate meat, cut up vegetables for dipping, make your dips & sauces, form out burger patties, and soak your wooden skewers.

4. Finger Foods & Snack Food Rule: Always have PLENTY & a variety of food & drinks out for people to choose from.

5. Work with a grill that you are comfortable with, but make sure it's a fast set-up with easy cleanup. Don't forget your fuel, and always have extra on hand.

6. Bring plenty of coolers to keep the cold foods cold, and the hot foods hot! Food temperature is so important! The best tip anyone ever gave me to keep hot foods hot is to wrap bricks in heavy-duty tin foil and place on the grill, or in a 350° oven for about 30-45 min. Line the bottom of the cooler with brown paper bags, then USING OVEN MITTS, place the bricks so they are lining the bottom.

7. ALWAYS bring a thermometer to monitor your food. This is very helpful to prevent lifting the lid when doing slower cooked meats such as ribs and pork shoulder.

8. Enjoy your guests & keep them full! 

Everyone will have their own unique style in tailgating. The more you do it, the more adventurous you can be with your menu. 

Brutus Tailgating. Photo Courtesy of Paige Vaughn King

I am so excited about upcoming projects I have in the works! Unfortunately, I won't be able to be there at the Shoe this weekend to join in on all the tailgating fun. Whether you make it to the stadium, or if you're just at home please share your tailgating, food & game photos & tag me on twitter @TheScoop27

Have a great weekend everyone & Go Bucks!

Copyright 2019 Ashley Elliott - All rights reserved.