I love a good college football rivalry and there is none better than the Florida/Georgia game held annually in Jacksonville, Florida.

 Equal number of tickets are allotted to each school.  The stadium is evenly divided; half Florida fans, half Georgia fans, making for one of the most exciting game day atmospheres in the country.

Many Georgia fans hit the Florida state line and head for Amelia Island, home of Fernandina Beach.

Every Friday before the big game on Saturday, the stores, golf courses, restaurants and bars in NE Florida are packed with fans anxious to celebrate the upcoming rivalry game.

The Plantation Shop at Palmetto Walk

on Amelia Island always has lots of events and special goings-on to entertain the fans.

This Friday, October 26, The Plantation Shop will be featuring a book signing with Loran Smith 11:30-1:30.

Loran Smith is a legend in University of Georgia lore and the tailgating world.  “Smith was Georgia’s first sideline announcer.  He originated the ‘Tailgate Show’ and also originated the coaches locker room show.  He was the executive producer of the ‘Vince Dooley Show’ for over 15 years.  He is a freelance columnist and author, having authored or co-authored more than 15 books.”

This updated version of Georgia Football Vault would make a great gift for any Georgia football fan.  Be sure to stop by The Plantation Shop to meet Loran in person and to get a signed copy for your Georgia football collection!

NOW WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR FLORIDA/GEORGIA TAILGATE???

To celebrate both schools I am including 2 recipes for that old tailgating standby…

HAMMIES…HAM AND SWISS CHEESE SLIDERS

Georgia Style

Hammies-Perfect For Tailgating

Serving Size: 12-24

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 24 small party buns (or 12 Hawaiian rolls)
• 1 small sweet onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 pound sliced ham
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced

Instructions

1. Spread the butter on cut sides of bun, reserving 1 tablespoon butter.
2. Saute the onion in the reserved butter until clear.
3. Add the poppy seeds and dry mustard.  Mix well.  Remove from heat.
4. Layer the ham, cheese and a dollop of the onion mixture on half of each roll.
5. Replace roll tops. Wrap in foil.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Kathy's Comments:  These sliders are perfect for tailgating.  I transport in foil in a Pyrex Portable carrier kept warm with a hot pack.

By KathyMillerTime

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

I think it is fun to take this basic recipe and adapt it for your favorite school.  Here’s a Florida version, celebrating the Cuban sandwich…so popular in Florida.

FLORIDA CUBAN SLIDER

Florida Cuban Sliders

Serving Size: 12

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 12-pack of dinner rolls or Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 1/2 pound ham, sliced
• 1/2 pound fresh pork tenderloin, roasted and sliced
• 1/2 pound Genoa salami, sliced
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
• 1 small jar sliced dill pickles (chips)
• Yellow mustard

Instructions

1. Slice the rolls in half lengthwise.
2. Layer ham, pork, salami, swiss cheese on bottom half of rolls.
3. Top with 1 or 2 sliced pickles.
4. Spread mustard on top half of rolls and place on top.
5. Wrap in foil.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
7. Slice, then serve!

Notes

You could try the Tasty method...Place rolls in a pyrex dish instead of foil. Baste with butter and bake. Slice and then wrap in foil to transport to a tailgate. Take to tailgate in a carryall with hot packs to keep warm.

James Miller via KathyMillerTime

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

Game time.  Georgia cheerleaders wait for their team.

Florida storms the field.

Georgia responds and the crowd roars.

Another Florida-Georgia Game.

Or is it Georgia-Florida????

Let me know.

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.