Tailgating at events with your RV is no longer just about grilling some hotdogs over a mini charcoal grill. Tailgating has become a culinary and social art form, the success of which will be determined by your guests. Your abilities to perform like a 4-star chef and social director are what will make your tailgating party a praise-worthy event.
Nothing makes your party a success like the food, and dishes that will satisfy your party and not leave you exhausted from the preparation require the right recipes. For instance this simple, cold TexMex Layered Spicy Black Bean dip from myrecipes.com received 5 stars.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (16-oz.) jar spicy black bean dip
- 1/2 (8-oz.) package shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Toppings: sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives
- Assorted tortilla and corn chips
Preparation
- Layer cream cheese, dip, and cheese in a 1-qt. serving dish. Add toppings, and serve with chips.
Every good tailgate party also needs a chili recipe. This 5-ingredient winner (photo above) is from gimmesomeoven.com.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef or turkey*
- 3 (15 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 (15 oz.) cans beans, drained (black beans, kidney beans, a combo, or whatever you like)
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder
- Toppings: shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, cilantro, etc.
DIRECTIONS:
- In a large stockpot, cook ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until browned, stirring frequently.
- Add remaining ingredients, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
*If using ground turkey, heat a tablespoon of olive oil beforehand to help cook and brown the turkey.
**If you use a slow cooker, brown your meat on the stove before adding it and the other ingredients to your slow cooker. Then cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
But the most important factor behind a successful tailgating party is in the preparation and planning.
- Allow enough time before the game to get organized, prepare and spread out the food, and time to relax before the big crowds come. Allow 2 to 4 hours.
- Arriving early will also allow you to choose a premier spot, like beside a grassy area with room to spread out. A good choice would be at the end of a row where you have another vehicle only on one side. Make friends with your immediate neighbors so conflicts over territory are less likely.
- Find out beforehand the rules for where you will park. Some facilities and events may have no alcohol rules, or have other rules that could impact your party plans. Being evicted or fined for an unintentional infraction would put a damper on the fun.
- Make a list of everything you will need. After you arrive is too late to get something you forgot. Remember plates, utensils, cups, folding tables, chairs, tent shelter (unless you want everyone crowding inside your RV if a shower passes through), and garbage bags.
- Plan to take out everything you brought in. The trash containers could all be full by the time you break up your party. Properly dispose of your charcoal briquettes. Leave nothing behind, just as you would when camping and boondocking.
