With more games being nationally televised, especially with the emergence of the SEC Network,  many people who don’t have season tickets to their favorite college football games, aren’t sitting on the sidelines.  They are choosing to “Tailgate” by gathering in their homes with family,  friends and football fans to celebrate their favorite college teams.   They are “Homegating”.

Tailgate Party

n.
a festive, pre-game social event celebrated on or near stadium grounds featuring creative recipes, grilling competitions, colorful linens, themed decorations, fun and friendship

Homegate Party

n.

a festive, pre-game party celebrated in the home, in front of a television,  featuring creative recipes, team colored linens, themed decorations, fun and friendship

Homegating KathyMillerTime style before an important game, including friends from many SEC and ACC schools.   Love the homemade Alabama napkin, DIY by Dennis.

We could not make the trip to Tuscaloosa for the Alabama/Florida game due to our upcoming trip to Knoxville.  I won out on the travel schedule.  We will be tailgating in Knoxville for the Tennessee/ Florida game!  Visiting with family and Tennessee friends.

We instead chose to watch the Alabama/Florida game with family and friends at home.

In my previous post I challenged that if Oklahoma beat Tennessee (they did), I would make the 3 Oklahoma recipes from Loran Smith’s new book,

“Spread Formation:  Tailgating and Home Recipes From College Football Greats!” 

Here they are:

Polish Sausage Soup

From Barry and Becky Switzer, Former head coach at Oklahoma

Polish Sausage Soup

Serving Size:

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 large leeks, chopped
• 4 green peppers, chopped
• 4 red peppers, chopped
• 4 zucchinis, chopped
• 4 yellow squash, chopped
• 2 cans whole peeled plum tomatoes
• 3 packages Polish kielbasa sausage, cut up
• Red pepper
• Paprika
• Brown Rice
• Olive Oil
• Salt

Instructions

1. In a very large covered pot, cook the chopped leeks on low heat with at least 1 cup of olive oil.
2. Chop peppers and add to the pot.
3. Chop zucchinis and add to the pot.
4. Chop the yellow squash and add to the pot.
5. Add the canned tomatoes, sausage, salt (to taste), red pepper and paprika. Simmer until flavors meld.
6. Mix with cooked brown rice and serve. (I served with brown rice on top).

By Barry and Becky Switzer, former head coach at Oklahoma
Adapted from Spread Formation: Tailgating & Home Recipes From College Football Greats! by Loran Smith

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

Rye Bread Dip (I used sour dough Bread Boule)

From Jay and Rita Wilkinson, son of Bud Wilkinson

Rye Bread Dip

Serving Size:

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups Hellmann's mayonnaise
• 3 cups sour cream
• 2 teaspoons dill weed
• 2 to 3 tablespoons minced onion
• 2-3 packages dried smoked beef
• 1 large boule rye bread (I used sour dough bread)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients except the bread.
2. Hollow out the bread to make a bowl.
3. Cut remaining bread into strips or cubes.
4. Fill bread bowl with dip, and place on a large platter.
5. Surround bowl with bread strips.
6. Open a cold one and enjoy!

Kathy's Comments

I cut the recipe in half and served in a mini sour dough bread boule. There was plenty of dip. I also served with nacho chips.

By Jay and Rita Wilkinson, son of Bud Wilkinson
Adapted from Spread Formation: Tailgating & Home Recipes From College Football Greats by Loran Smith

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

Dessert was Sooner Coffee Cake

From Bob and Carol Stoops, Head coach at Oklahoma, former All-Big Ten defensive back at Iowa.

I know this would be perfect for a 12:00 kick off, but I chose to serve it as dessert!

Sooner Coffee Cake

Serving Size: 10

Print Recipe

Coffee cake

• 1 gluten-free yellow cake mix
• 1 small instant vanilla pudding
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 cup sour cream

Topping

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cinnamon
• 1/2 cups nuts

Instructions

1. Mix everything together, except the topping ingredients.
2. Put in a greased jellyroll or bundt pan.
3. Sprinkle topping mixture on top.
4. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.

Kathy's Comments

I used a bundt pan. I also use a convection oven so my cooking time was a little longer. Just make sure a toothpick stuck in middle of cake comes out clean.

By Bob and Carol Stoops, Head coach at the University of Oklahoma
Adapted from Spread Formation: Tailgating & Home Recipes From College Football Greats by Loran Smith

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

Aren’t homegating this time?  Vintage Thermos bottles  make for easing transporting  of soup or beverages to a tailgate at the stadium.

Loran Smith will be signing his new book,

“SPREAD FORMATION:  TAILGATING AND HOME RECIPES FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL GREATS!”

on the porch at The Plantation Shops at Palmetto Walk on Amelia Island

Friday, October 31 from 11-2

I will also be signing prints at The Plantation Shops, that same day, October 31, from 10-4, celebrating the Florida Georgia rivalry.  Isn’t this Halloween?  Could be a fun day.

 Sneak preview….a Vintage Tailgate…. a trip through Mississippi exploring Natchez, the Natchez Trace, Ole Miss and Oxford, and Mississippi State.

Watch for upcoming stories from my tailgating travels.  I welcome your comments, recipes and any inside information on your favorite tailgating spots.

Come celebrate with me.  I’ll save you a seat at the table.