I’m partial to any recipe that starts with “open two bottles of beer.”  In my case this may not indicate that the beer is actually going to be used in the recipe, but it almost always indicates a fun meal.  In this case it’s my tried and true method for making the ultimate bratwurst.

I learned the method from an episode of Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello and I want to thank the chef personally for giving me the ultimate method for perfectly tender, juicy and flavorful sausage every time.  His method of poaching the sausage first and then simply grilling them for flavor has never let me down.

Another plus to this method is that you get to introduce whatever flavors you choose in the form of the poaching liquid.  In the case of these brats I used a Summerfest Ale, but you can easily swap that out for stock, water or wine with amazing results.

So here you have it; The ultimate bratwurst for your backyard BBQ or tailgate party.  But don’t limit yourself to bratwurst!  this method works wonderfully for any uncooked link sausage in a natural casing.  The slow poach at the beginning locks in the juices and leaves the meat moist and tender, even for sausages that are usually on the chewy side.

What’s your favorite grilling sausage?  I personally have no preference.  I’ll grill or smoke anything I can get my hands on, but I’d love to hear what you prefer and why.

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Though I must admit that the food at a tailgate party is by far my favorite part of the day, there are a few other things that the rabid fans in your group might find both fun and useful for the perfect tailgate party.  Themed party plates and banners are fun, and the die hard fan will want to be decked out in team colors with official NFL clothing and perhaps a little face paint (for the more serious fans.)

A great spread with chips and salsa, brats, dogs, burgers and assorted finger foods is a must, of course.  Your bunch may prefer subs, hogies or wings.  some would rather have a steaming bowl of chili.  I think it depends on the region and the fan, but as long as there is good food, good friends, a decent game and a lot of laughter it’s the perfect party.

I’m sure there are a few in your bunch who like to bet on football while having a few too many of their favorite beverages, and that’s just fine too as long as it’s all in fun.  After all, wh doesn’t enjoy a good wager every now and then?

What foods do you make for your tailgate parties?  I’m the chili and wings type myself, but I’m sure other people have different favorites.  Let me know in the comments and I’ll try my hand at some of those recipes between now and game season next year!

For those who like chili as much as I do, here’s a great recipe for a no-bean chili that works just as well as a hot-dog topper as it does steaming in a bowl.  Enjoy!

Southern Chili Georgia Style

Ingredients:

• 3 lb chuck,cut in chunks
• 3 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1-1/2 cup  beef broth
• 1-1/2 cup  chicken broth
• 4-1/2 tbsp  California chili powder
• 4 tbsp.  Gebhardt chili powder
• 1/2 tbsp.  New Mexico hot chili powder
• 1/2 tbsp.  chimayo chile powder
• 1/2 tbsp.  pasilla powder
• 3-1/2 tbsp.  cumin
• 1 tbsp.  granulated garlic
• 4 tsp.  onion powder
• 1/2 tbsp.  brown sugar
• 1 tsp. Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup  canned diced green chilies

Method:

Brown meat and add to chili pot along with broths, tomato sauce, and green chiles. Add 2/3 of the spices. simmer for approximately two hours.

Add remaining spices. Cook 1 hr or until meat is tender. Add salt to taste.

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Please welcome my lovely wife TSGT Jessica Russell who writes today’s guest post from Turkey.  Welcome, honey.  We’re glad to have you.

I want to thank my husband for letting me hijack his blog for a moment or two.

In my decade + years in the military I’ve found that good food brings a group together like nothing else in the world. If an army marches on its stomach then the Air Force soars on theirs. :) No jokes, please.

W. Drell was the wonderful guy who eased my way into the unique world that is Turkey. The country changes like the weather in Texas, and trust me, that’s often. People who were here five years ago barely recognize the area or the way we do business. In such a unique climate, having a group of people you enjoy working with makes all the difference. I’ll be sad to see Drell go, but he’s off to be with lovely wife in Germany. It’s a small world and even smaller career-field, I’m sure we’ll run into each other again. So from me and my husband…Thank you for all your help.

B. Gray and his lovely wife, C. let us take over their kitchen to make these delicious jalapeno poppers. Drell said he found the original recipe on Instructables and tweaked it to his liking. What follows are pictures and the recipe from the event.

The recipe was simple, easy, and makes a great quick meal idea for any game night. Since football season is in full swing, you know these little babies will be a hit (especially with toothpicks so you don’t have to get pepper on your fingers!). Note, the preparation involves direct contact with jalapeno peppers and the seeds, so make sure you’re careful to not rub your eyes. We had benadryll on standby just in case I had a reaction. ;)

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