Purdue chef cooks up ideas for easy gourmet tailgating parties

"Unfortunately, tailgating party food is traditionally mundane and uninspired," says Carl Behnke, a chef instructor in the hospitality and tourism management department. "Simple, yet gourmet, ideas exist for all the central foods that football fans want at the game: appetizers, meats, drinks and sweets."

He encourages tailgaters to experiment with their favorite tailgating foods at home before the event to avoid game-day mishaps. Any foods that are prepared in advance must travel easily. Be aware of foods that must be chilled or kept hot, and bring the proper equipment for keeping on-site food preparation areas clean and sanitary.

His tips for serving the best food in the parking lot include:

• For appetizers and side dishes, Behnke suggests bruschetta, a fresh, Italian tomato compote paired with slices of baguette. Slices of banana bread with flavored cream cheese or pita chips with hummus also are easy alternatives to potato chips. To make homemade pita chips, brush pita bread with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper and bake until crisp. Hot chili also is a great addition for colder days. Try topping it with sour cream, grated cheese and sliced scallions.

• For variations on traditional hamburgers, try adding flavorful ingredients before grilling. Behnke suggests combining ground beef with ground Italian sausage or ground pork. Add dry rubs, cheese, spices, onions and garlic to the meat before you form the patties.

• To top off your burger, hot dog or bratwurst, try using a bread more substantial than an ordinary bun. Sliced baguettes, Texas toast, garlic bread, pita bread and tortilla wraps are good alternatives, he says. Sauerkraut sautéed with bacon and onions, gourmet cheeses, fancy mustards and salsas will give your sandwiches a more memorable and satisfying taste than the usual condiments.

• Cookies and brownies work well as desserts and travel and store easily. However, Behnke suggests making fruit kabobs, berries with whipped cream and almond cookies or fresh fruit tossed with Grand Marnier and sugar. For quick and 100 percent natural popsicles, trying freezing seedless grapes. Be sure to pack these items in a cooler to keep them chilled for a special finish to the meal or game.

Writer: Bethany Bannister-Andrews, (765) 494-2073, bbannister@purdue.edu

Source: Carl Behnke, (765) 494-9887, chefcarl@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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