We’ve all heard the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, no one said anything about upgrades. Is it just me, or does tailgating food seem to be more cliché with each passing game?
There isn’t anything wrong with hotdogs, hamburgers and a cold brew. They are considered American staples.
If you are beginning to think I must be one of those ostrich burger and champagne types, let’s not get ridiculous. I’m only suggesting we mix things up a bit.
There is something about the eve of game day during college football season. It is somewhat reminiscent to the struggle of falling asleep on Christmas Eve because excitement is overflowing.
Going to a tailgate only to find the usual is as depressing as getting the same thing for Christmas two years in a row and your parents don’t care enough to even notice. What is really sad is that next year’s results will not be much different.
That is, unless we do something about it. I can see it now, “friends don’t let friends eat bland food while tailgating.” Raise the banner high and let people know where they can find truly tailgate-worthy food.
With these recipes you are sure to impress your tailgate tent’s visitors or at least make the ones walking by hungry for what you’ve got cooking.

Blue Cheese Buffalo Burger

Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground buffalo
2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Black pepper, to taste
8 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
1/2 cup mayonnaise
8 leaves Bibb lettuce
1/2 red onion, cut in 1/2-inch slices
8 tomato slices
Preparation
Preheat a grill to a medium-high heat (if using a gas grill) and lightly oil the grate.
Season the buffalo with salt and pepper; form into 8 balls.
Press a cavity halfway into each ball with your thumb; place a tablespoon of blue cheese into the hole and seal the meat around the cheese.
Press each ball into a patty.
Cook the burgers on a preheated grill until cooked to your satisfaction, four to six minutes per side for well done.
Spread the toasted buns with mayonnaise.
Place a burger patty onto each bun bottom, then place a lettuce leaf, onion rings, and tomato slice onto each sandwich.
Top with the remaining buns to serve. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Honey-Barbecue Chicken Wings

Ingredients:
Vegetable cooking spray
48 whole chicken wings
Honey barbecue sauce
1 tbsp. ground red pepper
Black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Coat food grate with cooking spray; place on grill over medium-high heat (350 to 400 degrees).
Season the chicken with black pepper. Place chicken on grate and grill.
Mix the ground red pepper into the barbecue sauce.
Brush with 1 cup honey barbecue sauce during last 10 minutes of grilling.
Serve with remaining 1 cup sauce.