Tiger Tonic Tuesday

There are many reasons why I like South Carolina. However, Steve Spurrier and his Gamecock team don't make the cut. This Saturday, October 1st, the Tigers will travel to Columbia to take on South Carolina at 3:30 ET. While Steve Spurrier throws his visor, headset, mascot, and whatever else he can get his hands on, sip on one of these delish Tiger Tonics at your tailgate or watching the game from home!

Thirty miles south of Charleston, Wadmalaw Island is home to The Firefly Distillery. With varying flavors of Sweet Tea Vodka and Bourbon, these liquors help to create a perfect Southern cocktail! Although South Carolina may not be home to the our favorite football teams, partake of these great Firefly beverages this Saturday in honor of the Auburn vs. South Carolina matchup!

Firefly Arnold Palmer
1 part Firefly
1 part Lemonade (I think Simply Lemonade tastes the best)

"Long Island" Sweet Tea
3 oz. Firefly Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka
1.5 oz. Whiskey
1.5 oz. Tequila
.75 oz. Lemon Juice
1.5 oz. Cola
Mix over ice in a glass

War Damn Cornhole!

A phenomenon has spread throughout tailgates over the past decade as the game of corn hole has become wildly popular. A simple game with hours of pre/post game entertainment! For those of you unfamiliar with the rules, you can read up on the American Cornhole Association website: http://www.playcornhole.org/rules.shtml.


Victory Tailgates offers customized corn hole boards to add to your tailgate (bonus, they are MADE IN THE USA!). Whether you want a tiger paw, 'War Eagle,' Orange and Navy, or any other customization; a corn hole set provides a fun activity besides grazing and boozing to you and your tailgate pals. Everyone might not have the arm and accuracy of Cam Newton, but cornhole is sure to be a hit with any Tiger Tailgater!

(www.victorytailgate.com)

We'll Mess With Texas

Today Texas A&M officially became the newest member of the SEC (effective July '12). I'm still struggling with the basic geography of a Midwest state being a part of the Southeastern Conference. Regardless, a whole world of hurt lies ahead for the Aggies who will face SEC opponents more intense than those of their former Big 12 conference. With that being said, "Welcome Texas A&M!"

Southern Living included these Texas Tackler-Size Burgers in their football season recipes. (I would prefer them to be named "Nick Fairley Burgers," but that is neither here nor there). What an appropriate burger to demolish before a game against the Aggies, aka Tiger Meat!

Texas Tackler-Size Burgers

Ingredients
1 pound ground sirloin
1 pound ground chuck
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup mixed chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, and oregano)
Homemade Hamburger Buns
Toppings: pimiento cheese, cooked bacon slices, lettuce, and tomato slices



Preparation
1. Preheat grill to 350° to 400° (medium-high) heat. Combine first 4 ingredients gently. Stir fresh herbs into meat mixture. Shape mixture into 6 (5-inch) patties.
2. Grill, covered with grill lid, 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until beef is no longer pink in center. Serve on Homemade Hamburger Buns. Top each burger with pimiento cheese, cooked bacon slices, lettuce, and tomato slices.
(July 2011 Southern Living)

Tiger Trademark

Any good Southern hostess takes pride not only in her name, but also her monogram. No better a place to showcase your initials ('Tiger Trademark,' if you will), than at your tailgate! Various stores online provide the most perfect combination of colors, orange and navy, to show your Auburn pride and monogram style.


Whether on a market basket, cake carrier, koozie, or drink bucket; monogrammed items add a classy touch to keep your drinks cold and your tailgate organized. Plus, infamous 'koozie thieves' are not so brave as to walk off with one that is obviously yours! You stay classy, Auburn fans! War Damn Monogram!


Market Basket, Koozie, Drink Bucket: http://www.marleylilly.com

Cake Carrier: http://www.paigespastime.com

Tailgating Tots!

Here in the South, football fans start out at a young age (as you can see, I was one of these lucky kids). Although it may seem tricky to incorporate young Tigers into your tailgate plans, it is actually quite simple. Just remember the 3 F's: Fingerfoods, Fun, and Football. Any snacks that incorporate these three things will definitely be a hit to any Tailgate Tot.

Wrap juice boxes in construction paper to look like footballs!

Make a tupperwear 'lunch' for each child to make snack travel easy and organized. If you have a veggie tray at your tailgate, fill a cup with dip at the bottom and fill with vegetables for easier access to tiny Tiger hands.

While tailgates might not always be the most interesting experiences for younger fans, a little planning can make it more enjoyable for you and them. At home, print out black and white pictures of Tigers or Eagles that can be colored. If a game will be watched at the tailgate, bring some sour and sweet candies. When the other team scores, give out a sour candy. When Auburn scores, they get a sweet candy! This will involve them in the game to allow you both to watch together.


Auburn Football is so much better with Friends AND Family, so welcome your little Tiger friends to a tailgate they can also enjoy!

I Put My Hand Up On That Chip; When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip

After a disappointing end to Auburn's longest winning streak in the nation, this week we are faced with a night game. A 7 PM E.T. kick-off means one thing; more time to tailgate. This Saturday's all-day festivities call for a larger football feast, refills of school spirit(s), and completed tackles by Auburn's defense. During Saturday's grazing to prepare for the game, why not try one of these delectable dips?! For a simple but festive dip, spread guacamole in a tray and create yard lines and end zones with strips of sour cream (Snackpicks.com).

For those of you up for more of a challenge, Southern Living compiled a list of 14 Team-Inspired Tailgate Dishes. Of course the 2010 National Champs made the cut! The 'War Eagle Dip-and-Chips' served with kettle chips or waffle fries will please not only your taste buds but also your fellow tailgaters.

War Eagle Dip-and-Chips
Ingredients
1 (2.1-oz.) package fully cooked bacon slices
1 (16-oz.) container sour cream
2 cups (8 oz.) freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/3 cup sliced fresh chives
2 teaspoons hot sauce
Preparation
Microwave bacon according to package directions until crisp; drain on paper towels. Cool 10 minutes; crumble. Stir together bacon and next 4 ingredients. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours before serving. Garnish, if desired. Serve with crispy, warm waffle fries or kettle chips. Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 7 days.

Prepare either of these dips, or even THE Buffalo "Eagle" Dip (reference earlier blog post), and your tailgate will be up to Charlie Sheen's "Winning" standards! War Damn Dips! Down with the FAU Owls!

And on the 8th Day... God Made College Football

In Southern Living's September 2011 Magazine, the 10 Commandments of College Football Fandom were published. I could have not worded it better myself :


1. Thou shalt wear team colors. But think twice before adorning yourself with body paint—you don’t want to be the Internet photo that goes viral.

2. Thou shalt know—and sing—your team’s fight song from beginning to end. Sure, you can “watermelon watermelon” your way through the alma mater, but not memorizing the fight song is a fan failure.

3. Thou shalt keep your language clean (unless, of course, the quarterback fumbles on fourth and goal).

4. Thou shalt support the coach. Even when his calls are questionable.

5. Thou shalt be respectful to visiting teams. Remember: Southern ladies and gentlemen never boo.

6. Thou shalt set up a tailgate no fewer than three hours before kickoff (six if it’s a night game). Table linens and matching huggers encouraged, but not required.

7. Thou shalt theme your tailgate food around the visiting rival. Gator bites, anyone?

8. Thou shalt stay through the fourth quarter—rain or shine. That’s what ponchos are for, y’all.

9. Thou shalt respect the solemnity of Game Day by planning weddings, births, and other life events around the football schedule.

10. Thou shalt not covet other teams’ bowl games, national championships, or Heisman Trophy wins. There’s always next year.

(http://www.southernliving.com/general/10-commandments-of-college-football-fandom-00417000075221/)

The Journey to Death Valley

This past weekend several friends and I journeyed to the other home of the tigers, Death Valley, via Atlanta Auburn Alumni Club buses. We were welcomed (and not so welcomed) by Clemson fans across campus. Not all of us had game tickets, so we sought out a friendly Auburn tailgate to watch the game. After searching through seas of purple and orange to find the rare Auburn fans, we stumbled upon this phenomenal tailgate trailer. An AU fan has created these trailers consisting of TV, mini fridge, microwave, keg tap, RV bathroom, grill, and all the amenities needed to make this trailer the ultimate tailgating machine! To any football fans, no matter ACC or SEC, this setup made tailgating an amazing experience on Saturday- despite Auburn's loss.

Check out the website for these awesome trailers! War Eagle to another Auburn tailgate enthusiast!
http://www.tow-n-gotailgates.com/

Cooler Corn!

Nearly anyone can pull off making a dip or two for a tailgate, finger foods, and some grilling. However, few people possess the knowledge of the 'Cooler Corn' phenomenon. Although 'cooler corn' might be more well known as a camping treat, it would be a most impressive addition to any AU tailgate lineup!

Cooler Corn

(Obviously make sure you are using a clean cooler)
-Place washed and shucked ears of corn (no specific # required)
-Pour two kettles of boiling water over the corn
-Close lid and leave for 30 minutes
Ta da! You have perfectly cooked corn on the cob! In the case of tailgating, you could easily pour the boiling water on at home and then transport the cooler to your tailgate spot. The corn remains warm and ready to eat for several hours as long as the cooler remains shut! Wow your friends and family with this bit of culinary genius, and offer a different tailgate treat from the normal Gameday grub!

(Thanks to my brother for this post idea!)

Due to Popular Confusion

For as long as I've been cheering for the orange and blue, I have been asked about the phrase 'War Eagle.' "So you have two mascots? The tigers and the war eagles?" "Why do y'all say 'War Eagle' to each other?" "What do eagles have to do with Tigers?" Well ladies and gents, it's really quite simple (well, maybe not for Bammer fans). The official Auburn University explanation of 'War Eagle' is as follows:

""War Eagle" is Auburn's battle cry, not a mascot or nickname. The most popular story about the battle cry dates back to the first time Auburn met Georgia on the football field in 1892 and centers around a spectator who was a veteran of the Civil War. In the stands with him that day was an eagle the old soldier had found on a battlefield during the war. He had kept it as a pet for almost 30 years. According to witnesses, the eagle suddenly broke free and began majestically circling the playing field. As the eagle soared, Auburn began a steady march toward the Georgia end zone for a thrilling victory. Elated at their team's play and taking the bird's presence as an omen of success, Auburn students and fans began to yell "War Eagle" to spur on their team. At the game's end, the eagle took a sudden dive, crashed into the ground, and died. But the battle cry "War Eagle" lived on to become a symbol of the proud Auburn spirit."
War Damn Battle Cry!

Keep Your Tailgate Below The "Mason" Dixon Line

Here in the South, traditions run deeper, fans get louder, and college football is a way of life. But as Adrian Karsten of ESPN said "football in the South is one thing, football at Auburn is something else." In elaborate exhibitions of tailgating, Auburn fans have become well-known for their spectacular set-ups, tantalizing tailgate treats, and awe-inspiring Auburn enthusiasm. Why not add to your impressive AU tailgate by incorporating a traditional Southern standard? The Mason jar. Whether you use mason jars to organize napkins, cutlery, and shakers; or serve Auburn's traditional Toomer's lemonade as a tailgate refreshment, Mason jars add Southern class to any Auburn tailgate while providing eye-catching organization as well. If you want to "Cam Newton" the concept (if you will) try making pies or chili in Mason jars to provide your fellow tailgaters with delicious treats within easy storage! (Mason jars is to Ziplock containers, as Auburn is to Alabama.) So here's to you and your tailgate! May you represent the AU family and its reputation well! War Eagle!




Pie in a Mason Jar

Ingredients:
12 – Half-Pint Wide-Mouth Mason Jars
3 – 9-inch Pie Crusts (double that if you’re making a pie that needs crust on top)
Pie Filling (use your favorite pie recipe- I prefer pumpkin

Directions:
-Wash and dry the Mason Jars.
-Cut the pie crust into quarters. You’ll use 1/4 of each pie crust for each jar.
-Press the piece of pie crust into the jar, completely covering the sides and reapplying excess crust as needed.
-Fill the jar with your pie filling and top with crust if needed.
-Bake your pies according to the recipe. (No variation in cook time is needed from a 9-inch pie to the Pies in a Jar, but keep an eye on them to be safe!)
-Once they’re ready, just let ‘em cool and cap them to take to your tailgate!



Chili with Cornbread In a Mason Jar

Make/Buy your favorite chili and scoop it equally into the jars. Mix up your cornbread batter and spoon it on top of the chili in jars. Bake you cornbread as you would for the recipe (or until a toothpick comes out clean). Then screw on the jar tops and serve! For a tailgate, you could easily heat up the morning of and keep inside a 'hot bag' or insulated basket until time to eat!

Look Ma, No Hands!

At many a tailgate, Auburn fans run into the inevitable problem of not having enough hands. Between shaking hands, shaking shakers, enjoying a Tiger Tonic, and holding a plate; our anatomical limits of the human condition are quite unfortunate. Luckily, some wise Walter/Wanda has created 'The Go Plate' to enable fans to consolidate their 'handy' activities. While eating, the plate stays in place on top of your bottle, can, or Solo cup! (However, do not try to drink with the plate on top or you will end up with a whole other problem--- on the front of your shirt.) No longer will you worry about whose plate is whose, or setting down your drink to hold your food. The plates can also be run through the dishwasher and used repeatedly; a quality investment to make your tailgate top-notch! Slow clap for the inventors of this wonderful Gameday gizmo!

(http://www.kegworks.com/the-go-plate-reusable-food-beverage-holder-1035-p173491?source=linkshare&siteID=41LEbfsPE6c-3T4Yi.xXPaVw33Mt3gNGBg&= )

Copy Cats! (Pun Intended)

This week Auburn will face the Clemson Tigers on Saturday at 11 CT. There is no coincidence that this 'Auburn of the East' shares the same mascot. As a graduate of Auburn University, Walter Merritt Riggs went on to become the President of Clemson University from 1910-1924. Under Riggs' guidance, Clemson formed a football team and chose the mascot of the glorious fearsome Tiger. Speculation arises if the Clemson players really chose the Tiger as their mascot, or if Riggs' Auburn allegiances were reflected in the decision. Regardless, this weekend the original Auburn Tigers will fight on fearless and true; hopefully for a victory for the orange and blue!

If you are attending the game, here is a guide to Clemson Game Day from the host of Clemson's "Tiger Pregame Show":
http://www.tigerpregameshow.blogspot.com/2011/09/guide-to-clemson-weekend-auburn.html

Rise and Shine it's Tailgate Time! Tiger Tonics #2

Unfortunately for college football fans, not all of us are morning risers, and all games aren't at night. Luckily, a good brunch cocktail can wake up the most tired of night owls. For many, a mimosa or coffee with Bailey's is an easy go-to morning libation. Check out these two alternative options for your tailgate tonic! Auburn's next game against Clemson at 11 CT is a perfect opportunity to try these out!

Bloody Mary Punch

Ingredients

1 (46-oz.) container low-sodium vegetable juice, chilled
1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 cup vodka (optional), chilled
Celery sticks (optional)

Preparation

Combine vegetable juice, next 5 ingredients, and, if desired, vodka in a punch bowl or a pitcher. Serve over ice in glasses. Serve with celery sticks, if desired.


Blushing Mimosas

Ingredients

2 cups orange juice (not from concentrate)
1 cup pineapple juice, chilled
2 tablespoons grenadine
1 (750-milliliter) bottle Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled*

Preparation

1. Stir together first 3 ingredients.
2. Pour equal parts orange juice mixture and Champagne into Champagne flutes.
*2 (12-oz.) cans ginger ale or lemon-lime soda may be substituted.

Auburn Public Servants

In honor of this 9/11 10th year anniversary, I thought it fitting to recognize some Auburn Alum public servants who might not be the most well-known Auburn men and women.

"I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God." - Auburn Creed

-Gen. Holland Smith (1901) -United States Marine Corps General "father of modern U.S. amphibious warfare"
-Major Gen. Wilton B. Persons (1916)- Special Adviser to President Eisenhower
-Miller Reese Hutchison (1897)- Inventor of the electric hearing aid and Klaxon automobile horn
-Millard Fuller (1957)- founder of Habitat for Humanity
-Ken Mattingly (1958)- astronaut, Apollo 13 (pulled), Apollo 16 (spacewalk), STS-4, STS-51-C
-Don Logan (1966)- Former CEO of Time, Inc, and former Chairman of Time Warner Cable
- Richard Myers (1967, M.S.)- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the United States of America
- Kathryn Thornton (1974)- astronaut, second US woman in space, spacewalk, STS-33, STS-73
- Donda West (1980, Ph.D)- mother to rapper Kanye West, former chair of English department at Chicago State University.[3]
- Timothy D. Cook (1982)- CEO, Apple Inc.
- Jimmy Wales (1989)- co-founder of Wikipedia
- Susan Whitson (1991)- Press Secretary, Office of First Lady Laura Bush
- Johnny Micheal Spann (1992)- first American killed in combat after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan
- Stephen Huss (2000)- 2005 Wimbledon Men's Doubles champion — the first ever as a qualifier
- Richard Marcinko (M.A. Political Science)- founder U.S. Navy SEAL Team SIX and Red Cell

"And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it. " - AU Creed

Auburn Guy Harvey? What?!

In the world of frattastic things, Guy Harvey is up there with koozies and croakies. The word overjoyed does not even begin to explain my excitement when I discovered Guy Harvey has Auburn themed (and other Universities) shirts! Bravo, 'ol Guy Harvey, you once again have outdone yourself with supplying Greeks and preptastic enthusiasts an outlet for school spirit and sratty style!

http://www.guyharveyshirts.com/college.htm

THE Buffalo "Eagle" Dip

Ever since one of my dearest friends introduced me to this dip, I have made it for every tailgate, football party, and dip-appropriate function I attend. The perfect addition to any Tiger Tailgate, this Buffalo Chicken dip is definitely a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients
3 boneless chicken breasts (or 3 - 12.5 oz cans shredded chicken)
16 oz bottle of ranch dressing
8 to 12 oz bottle of wing sauce (depending on how hot or mild you would like it)
2 - 8 oz containers plain cream cheese ( I usually purchase the whipped- easier to melt and stir)
1 package shredded cheddar cheese

If you are preparing with boneless chicken breasts, boil and shred the chicken. Combine the shredded chicken, ranch, wing sauce, and cream cheese. Empty half of the bag of shredded cheddar within this mixture and put the other half on top. If baking, cook at 375 for 45 or so. At tailgates I prepare the dip in a crock-pot and keep on low and that works well too. Enjoy!

Game Day Tunnel Video

Per AU Tradition, a Game Day video is shown before the Tigers emerge from the tunnel. Personally, I think this year's is a little sub-par compared to others of the past. Here it is if you weren't in Jordan Hare last Saturday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gcrcl6baSsc&feature=player_embedded

Tiger Tonic #1- Beergaritas!

If Cammy-Cam Juice isn't enough for you, try Beergaritas for your next Auburn tailgate! During my monthly perusing of Southern Living I came across this wonderful Game-Day drink that will not disappoint. While I have only tried it out at a Braves tailgate, I'm quite certain it will be pleasing while cheering on the tigers! Cheers!


Ingredients:
1 cup frozen limeade concentrate, thawed ( I used Minute Maid)
1 cup tequila
1/2 cup orange liqueur
Crushed ice
1/2 to 1 cup cold beer ( I used Bud Light)

Preparation
1. Stir together first 3 ingredients until well blended. Fill 4 medium glasses with crushed ice. Pour limeade mixture evenly into glasses. Add beer to taste.

The Tailgate Sweet Tooth

At many a tailgate, an array of salty snacks and store-purchased cookie cakes can be found. Why not mix up from the mundane of orange and blue cupcakes? Cover strawberries in semi-sweet chocolate to make imitation footballs that any sweet-toothed football fan will enjoy (yes, even probably Bammers)! War Damn Sweets!

The Need For Yet Another AU Blog

Being an Auburn enthusiast, I live, breathe, eat, and craft all things Auburn. Although a blog about Auburn is nothing new, I seek to share any and all things Auburn to fellow Tigers such as myself. Even mid-week, I hope to have a part of my day feel as if it were Game Day, and can only hope to share this with you too! War Damn Eagle!