Baby, its cold outside! Tailgating is fun for some of y’all who live where its warm in the fall, but we just moved to New England where fall apparently starts around September 1st. BURR!! So instead of ‘tailgating’ we ‘Homegate’ and enjoy a tailgating feast in the warm cozyness of the Great Indoors.
We had a party last week and decided to do a gourmet burger bar! It was easy and fun for everyone. We served the burgers (and hot dogs and brats) with a huge green salad and some chips. Easy-peazy!
good burgers (we love the ‘pub burgers’ sold at our local grocery store, but this is a great recipe to make your own)
cheese (provolone, cheddar or blue cheese)
lettuce
tomato
pickles
onions
carmelized onions
mushrooms sauteed in olive oil and a splash of wine
avacados
thick cut bacon (thick cut is worth it. oh, yes.)
good hamburger buns, toasted
whatever else floats your boat
I cooked up the onions, mushrooms and bacon earlier that day and just reheated while my husband grilled the burgers. It was a great entertaining plan with very little work during the party.
Remember, for tailgating and homegating: keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Don’t let food sit at room temperature for more than two hours so have replacements ready at half time. For more info on safe entertaining, check out FoodSafety.gov.
About Melissa