It’s Game Day! And, I might be reaching here, but this time of year is more about the game day traditions- friends and food- than the actual games. Don’t get me wrong, college football is my jam. NFL has its moments, too. But, when I hear the Game Day anthem ring at 8am from that ESPN channel, it’s suddenly fall, football, friends, and food.
If you are like us and the sounds of cheers and chants mean a new actual season (Fall, is that you?) is upon us, then let us share with all the mamas who are ready for some football – here are some game day traditions to get this party started!
Gather Your Crew
Pull out the family calendar and coordinate which games will be watched live or watched in the comfort of your home. Gather some like-minded friends and get group tickets or plan your game-watching on back patios or local restaurants. Every year, our best friends host the annual Biscuits and Gravy shindig. That’s right, comfort food, maybe a mimosa, and a group of friends all decked out in their team colors. It’s always the first Saturday of college football, so the kids play while we amp up our spirit with great company.
Prepare the Menu
No matter if you are tailgating at home or in your pajamas on the couch, the menu is important. If you are with a big group of friends, this chili cheese dip is always an easy crowd favorite. Game-watching food is a no-brainer when football season starts. So plan that menu and enjoy! Hoping for cooler weather when the games are on? Try my Maw Maw’s gumbo:
Maw Maw’s Gumbo
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup flour
2 cups of chopped onions
1 cup of bell pepper
1/2 cup of celery
10 cups of water
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp thyme
3.5/4 lbs. of chicken
salt and cayenne to tste
1 lb andouille sausage
Chopped green onion and parsley
1.In a large pot, combine oil and flour over medium heat, stirring often to make a dark brown roux.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery and stir until soft. Then, add water and blend it all together.
3. Add bay leaves and thyme while seasoning the chicken with salt and cayenne.
4. Add the chicken to the roux-water mixture and simmer for one hour. After an hour, add the andouille and cook for another hour.
5. Skim off any oil that comes to the surface and remove the bay leaves.
6. Check seasonings, add green onion and parsley.
7. Serve immediately over rice and enjoy!
Plan the Outfit
You’ve seen some people get decked out for their games. Maybe you go flashy and fun or maybe it’s that old college tee to do the trick. Either way, check out some local boutiques or online shops to fit your fashion for game day. I say, the bigger, the better.
What are your game day traditions? Who are you rooting for this season? And more importantly, what are you eating? Share with us, Houston Moms.
And GO TEAM!
