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Put on your game jersey, chill the beer and round up some of these tailgate friendly foods:

1. Chili; probably the standard for many tailgate parties. It is simple to make, can be prepared way ahead of time and then stored until it can be re-heated as necessary (many people think that chili has the best flavor when it has been left for a day or two).
2. Potato Salad; another standard that just begs to be on every tailgate. There are many different ways to spice up the old standard and it can also be made ahead of time and brought out when you are ready to eat.
   

   Photo By: Jeffrey Collingwood

3. Quesadillas; a warm, gooey snack that is another blank canvas waiting to be improved upon. Traditionally it is made with cheese and veggies but when you add some spiced chicken or ground beef it becomes more of a meal than a snack.
4. Chicken Wings; the ultimate finger food. You can bake them before hand in your oven at home and pack them up for later or even better take them with you to barbecue while you are at the game. Try bringing several different sauces or baste them with different ones such as hot or mild sauce or honey mustard, etc.
5. Chicken Skewers; another hand-held meat idea. They taste the best when they are cooked on the grill but if you won’t have the time they can be done in the oven prior to game time.
6. Cheese bean dip; what tailgate party would be complete without some sort of dip? Spice it up with some garlic cloves and onions, add some kidney beans, or whatever bean you prefer, some freshly grated cheddar, melt it all together and get ready for some good dipping.
7. Standard Tomato salsa dip; the favorite standard that is enjoyed by most everyone. This is a staple at tailgate parties and it tastes the best when you make your own using onions, garlic, white vinegar and some jalapeno’s for a little added “oomph”.

You probably have your own favorites so don’t be afraid to brush up on your culinary skills and totally wow your friends at the next game.