How to Use Your Camping Gear for A Tailgating Party
Just because fall has arrived and the camping season is winding down, it doesn’t mean you need to put away your outdoor gear just yet—especially now that tailgating season is ramping up. Whether you’re getting ready for the big game or hanging out at the park with friends, your favorite camp furniture, stoves, and cooking gear, and other gear from Eureka!, can help make your outdoor party one to remember. Here’s how to best take advantage of your camping gear to make a memorable and entertaining tailgate gathering.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR CAMPING GRILL
Can you really call it a tailgate if you don’t have a grill fired up? Of course not. But do you really want to figure out how to pack your regular charcoal grill into your vehicle? Even if you can get it to fit, keeping your car clean in the process is no fun. Instead, use a grill designed to be used away from home. Camping grills may have less cooking space, but they are easy to transport and do a great job.
If you don’t yet own one, consider a compact wonder like the SPRK Grill, which features a flexible cooking system—it comes with both a grill-top and griddle—that can make all kinds of meals. For those early games, set it up for pancakes for breakfast. You can press paninis to impress your crowd, or stick to the grilling basics like burgers, brats, and hot dogs. There will be no complaints. No matter what’s on the menu, the propane-fueled Gonzo Grill will be able to get it cooked quickly.
BEST TAILGATING RECIPE
Take your cheeseburger to the next level with a cheese-stuffed burger. Mix up the burger ingredients like you usually would, then shape them into thin patties—you’ll use two per burger. Drop a light handful of the cheese of your choice into the middle of half of the patties, then carefully press another patty on top. You’ll need to grill these a little longer than usual, enough to thoroughly melt the cheese inside.
BEYOND GRILLING
Looking for a little more cooking space? Want to try something a little bit different at the tailgate this year? Get out your traditional two-burner camping stove and show off your talent for gourmet cooking. The Ignite Stove is convenient and portable, but with room for two 10-inch pots or pans. Cook up a full meal from the bed of your truck or your folding table with the ease of the push-button igniter and adjustable heating options. You can boil, simmer, or simply keep that pot of chili warm as the temperature drops. Need even more space? The Ignite Plus will give you enough room for two 12-inch pots or pans.
BEST TAILGATING RECIPE
You have two burners, so why not make use of them with this fun jambalaya recipe and bourbon bread pudding perfect for a crisp fall day? The jambalaya is easily prepped at home and brought to the tailgate in a pot with a sealed lid. Mix up the ingredients for the bourbon bread pudding ahead of time, and pop the mixture and use the other burner to cook it up.
DON’T FORGET THE COFFEE
While it may not immediately come to mind when you think tailgate, coffee is often a crowd favorite, particularly when the weather starts to turn cold. If you’re starting early in the morning, have it ready to go for when people arrive. For night games, caffeine can be just the jolt you need when it’s finally time to hit the stadium. Make your own version of campfire coffee—or any hot beverage—with the Camp Café. While most portable coffee makers have a small capacity, the Camp Cafe easily brews up to 12 cups at a time, more than enough for everyone in the crew. What if you’ve got a big crowd? Never fear, the Camp Café can boil a full 60 ounces of liquid in just six minutes, so you can keep the coffee flowing.
BEST TAILGATING RECIPE
Make a tailgate-ready mocha with just water, coffee, and hot chocolate powder. Add a heaping spoonful of hot chocolate powder to each cup, then pour the freshly brewed coffee right in there. Mix it up, and you have an outdoor-made drink that would make (most) baristas proud.
DESIGNING YOUR TAILGATE AREA
Each tailgate setting is unique, but chances are you’re going to need a few things to get rolling: a place to prepare your food and a place to serve it. Light and sturdy folding tables are a must, and the best of those are designed for camping. Bring a camp table (or two, or three...) to make it simple to spread out the ingredients for your party. Make sure your tables are sturdy enough to survive the elements. The camp table from Eureka! has anti-rocking feet to help you stay level on uneven terrain. It can hold up to 90 pounds and comes with a convenient carrying bag.
In terms of preparing your food, you can’t beat something like the Camp Kitchen table, which is specifically designed for outdoor cooking setup and execution. The Camp Kitchen table has a wire shelf for drying dishes, two separate wings for organization—and it still folds up compactly for travel to and from the tailgate.
SEATING FOR EVERYONE
There’s no wrong chair to bring to the tailgate party, but you can find chairs that fit your space and needs better than others. Consider the Director Chair, which comes with its own side table for your ice-cold beverage and a plate of food. Want to kick back and relax before the big game? Choose the Highback Recliner Chair. If your tailgate space is smaller and you don’t want your setup to encroach on your neighbor, opt for the super-compact (but still comfortable) Camp Stool. Voilà—seating and space for the whole group.
See, it doesn’t take much to transform the parking lot into a comfortable space to entertain your crew. With a little thought, you’ll become the place to be outside of the stadium. Hopefully your team performs as well on the field.
Written by Matcha for Eureka!.