Wanna tailgate? Make it fun and create a theme!

Here’s one of my faves: Kansas City Style Tailgating.

What does that mean? All food is – what else? – KC style!

Start with some Kansas City strip steaks (seasoned with a Kansas City rub).

Or, perhaps some KC cheesesteaks. What makes these different than Philly cheesesteaks, you ask? Well, they’re from Kansas City, of course!

Add some pit beans – Kansas City style – and you’ve got a rootin’ tootin’ KC-themed tailgate party.

Have a blast playing off this theme and create your own to play with.

It’s tailgate season, friends, let’s do it up right!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Apples, pumpkins, spices. Those scream FALL to me.

Some of my favorite things to do with those fall favorites are a bit out of the ordinary.

Like the chicken breast roast with apple and tart cherry above. Check it out here for inspiration.

Ever tried spiced apple streusel tartlets for dessert? With ice cream? To die for! Feels like you’re sitting at Grandma’s table wearing a cable knit sweater every time.

Want a great fall meal? Try a hickory smoked turkey followed up by a pumpkin cheesecake.

Holy autumn that’s good!

What are your favorite fall foodie dishes? Dish ’em out here so we can all drool over them, will ya?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Are you a heavy-duty tailgater?

Then you probably have this tailgating thing down!

For the rest of us non-professionals, some tailgating hacks might be useful before heading out to cheer on your team – and eat like a champ!

Tip #1 – Prepare as much food as you can beforehand. You don’t want to spend ALL your tailgate time working away over a hot propane stove.

Tip #2 – Keep it simple. Do you really want a four-course meal with dijonnaise sauce and delicate fritters? No! You’re out in a parking lot for goodness’ sake. Try brisket. Ribs. Burgers. Steak. Bite-sized appetizers.

Tip #3 – Never, ever run out of food. We don’t want a brawl on our hands. Those fans get hungry!

Tip #4 – Since you will be following tip #3, make sure to bring a cooler specifically for leftovers. Tailgate food is great even the next day! But you have to store it properly so it will keep.

Tip #5 – Don’t make it so complicated that you won’t have time to have fun yourself. Try sides – and even meals – you can just heat and eat.

Have fun cheering on your team at your next tailgate party. And eat a rib for me!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.