Healthy Tailgating

Healthy and tailgating usually aren't used in the same sentence however it can be done. You can create healthy football fare that's both tasty and good for you. The best part is that you won't be sacrificing favorites or flavor. Another good thing is that they're easy to make.

Most parking lot parties start out with a grill.After all there's nothing like the taste of a well done burger or dog. However these can be bad for you with all that cholesterol and nitrates added. Switch to turkey or vegan substitutes. They taste the same yet provide you with lower calories and less preservatives. Also there is so much variety with veggie burgers these days you can bring four or five different types. Flavors range from the spicy Southwestern to the mushroom lovers to the tomato and soy cheese Italian. Serve on either rye or pumpernickel rolls for a healthier alternative to white bread.

Sides can be made just as healthy too. Cole slaw , always a favorite, can be pared down . It can have added crunch by introducing carrots and both red and green pepper strips to it. Also cut out the mayo and sub in a vinaigrette. Potato salad, long a tailgater standard, can be made with less mayo as well,or even with just oil and red wine vinegar. Add some onions and celery for flavor and texture . If your crew demands a macaroni salad, again make it healthier with spelt or whole wheat pasta and splash it with a low cal Italian dressing.

Tailgating is fun. Yet it doens't have to wreck havoc with your diet or health concerns. You can create a tasty, healthy party that's sure to create fans!

Make Your Own Marinades

This is the high season for grilling. It's also the time when good steaks, chickens and even fish can get dried out from too much grilling. What to do ? Marinate them. The best ones are the ones you make yourself. You can add favorite ingredients and create unique flavors . Best of all you won't have dried out meat.

A basic marinade consists f four parts. Vinegar or citrus for tendering the meat, flavorings of any kind, oil to give the meat some moisture and to hold everything together and a little salt. This las t is to make the meat more flavorful and juicy. Vinegars can anything from the basic red wine vinegar to s sweeter fruit infused one. I would suggest using an apple cider vinegar. i think this has a lovely taste and would add a little bit of sweet and sour tot he marinade.As for oil, simple light olive oil is the best and of course use freshly ground sea salt. Seasonings can range from anything like the fiery hot ginger to the mellow rosemary. I would think of adding garlic for some steak and pork marinades to give the meat more flavor and zest.Some grillers add their spins . Some put beer and bourbon in their sauces for a wilder flavor. Some add macerated fruit like peaches or oranges The flavor is up to you.

One of the most important parts in creating the perfect marinade are the rations. Always remember to add. Add one cup of vinegar or citrus to one cup oil plus a tablespoon of fresh ground sea salt. (you may vary the salt amount according to your tastes). then with the spices, i;d say go by the pinch and dash method. Whatever makes the most flavorful ten stick with it. .

A home made marinade is the great for this season's different cuts. make your ribs and filets unique by creating g a one of a kind marinade. It'll be the hit of the grilling season!!!