Tailgating Southern Style

 Southern food means good flavor and good times. Not surprisingly so is tailgating. Combine the two and you'll have a delicious way of enjoy your favorite team with friends and fans.

Most of the game day foods are Southern.What's a tailgating party with out ribs and fried chicken? Ribs can easily be grilled on  a grill.It's all in the seasoning. Try a savory dry rub consisting of paprika, onion powder brown sugar fresh ground pepper and salt. Cook until crispy and almost blackened (it pays to bring a meat thermometer along just to see what the ribs interior temperature is)> Serve with a Southern style barbecue sauce.This is an easy blend of ketchup molasses, and cider vinegar.Mix and then add the  dry ingredients such as onion salt, brown sugar, and garlic powder.Mix and keep in a large container. Of course fried chicken is the epitome of Southern cooking at its' best. Yet what's an authentic recipe?Use one that features a buttermilk batter. Add cornstarch for an extra crunchy coating along with herbs such a as thyme, basil, oregano and dried ginger . the last if you want a zing of flavor. A better way of cooking it in a parking lot is by air fryer.It's less messy and also less greasy.

Should you make grits for a tailgate party?It would be a different taste, especially with shrimp added. The grits can be made in a slow cooker  brought to the stadium parking lot. You can cook up some shrimp to go with it. An easy way of cooking is is again using the grill. This will also add a smoky flavor to the  dish.The shrimp can be marinated in a barbecue sauce but you can also make a lemon and butter sauce as well. The grits can be buttery or cheesy.It;s up to you and your fellow fans how you like them. Cornbread is another must and this can be made the day before and then wrapped in plastic to keep fresh. Even though people will be stuffed they still clamor for dessert. Dr. Pepper cake is a must around the holidays in the SOuth. Why not make it perfect for the party by making Dr Pepper cake cupcakes.These are a sweet mix of everyone's favorite soda and chocolate. For more depth add buttermilk and light brown sugar. As for the frosting why not carry the theme and create one that mimics the foam on top.This is a buttercream that also has the soda added too.It's a nice way to carry on the flavor.

A Southern themed tailgating party is always a great one. Southern food is delicious and perfect for any gathering. whip up ribs slathered with barbecue sauce, fried chicken, or shrimp and grits. Bake corn bread and Dr Pepper cupcakes for a treat.