Having been raised a southern girl, there are a lot of traditions that I am passing on to my own girls as they are coming of age.

 From how to make a  pitcher of sweet tea to setting a proper dinner table (and the correct usage of the word “y’all”) there are just some things a southern gal should know.  But the one tradition I have most enjoyed passing on is the love of college football!

Watching NAVY beat Army in 17 degree weather …. yes, we are fans!!

 

While many consider Labor Day the holiday celebrated this coming weekend, in reality the real holiday is SEC college football kick-off!   From “Goooo Dawgs, sic ‘um!”  & “Waaaaaar Eagle!” to “Roll Tide Roll!”& “Wooooooooo, Pig! Sooie!”, even the most gentile of Southern ladies will be wearing their team colors and making their call this weekend.


You see, college football in the south isn’t just about the game.  It’s state pride, it’s tradition, it’s emotional, it’s a religion, it’s the bond between fans and even the division among families.  


In the south, college football is a way of life.

And what should you serve up at a game day party?  Well, that’s the beauty of it all …. whatever you are in the mood for.  From chips and dip to grilled New York strip it’s easy to please a crowd gathered to watch football!  

Plans for our game day menu will include buffalo chicken wings with a blue cheese dipping sauce, dijon deviled eggs (we have chickens, eggs are required!), hot ham & cheese sandwiches, fried dill pickles, a fruit & veggie platter (for those who are health conscience) and nachos with peach salsa.

If you want the perfect buffalo wing, you must try these delicious wings fried up southern style and drizzled with hot sauce.  Fair warning, if you are on a diet, these probably are NOT on it!

4-5 pounds chicken wing pieces (I prefer the drumettes)
5 cups flour
2 cups buttermilk (I think I might have used a little more)
salt & pepper

Wash your chicken wing pieces and pat dry.  In a large Dutch over or Fry Daddy, heat your oil to desired temp for frying.In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour with a little salt and pepper to taste.  In another bowl, pour your buttermilk.  Dip your chicken into the flour mixture, the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again.  Make sure it is coated well with the flour and carefully drop into your hot oil.  I usually cook my wings 6-7 minutes (check to see that they are done to the bone), then remove and drain on a paper towel.  Continue to work in small batches until all of your wings are cooked.

{Fair warning:  This is time consuming, so don’t take on more than you have time for!}

For your wing sauce you will need:
16 ounces Texas Pete Hot Sauce
1 stick of unsalted butter
1/4 cup white vinegar

Mix & simmer ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until the butter is melted all is well blended.  Serve warm in a bowl for guests to drizzle over their crispy friend chicken wings.

You can’t have hot wings without a good blue cheese dip.  This can be made a day ahead of time which allows the flavors to mesh. You can also use “light” products when making the dip, just in case you are feeling guilty for frying the chicken wings.


1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
3 green onions, finely chopped (the green tops, w/ abt. a Tbsp. of the white)
2 Tablespoons dried parsley
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
garlic salt to taste


Mix all of your ingredients together, cover and chill until ready to serve.

If you are having folks over to celebrate this wonderful holiday all weekend long, have them bring some of their favorite game day treats as well.  You’ll be amazed at the feast that you can enjoy all day long!


As for our divided household, I have a daughter who will be attending Alabama’s opening game with her boyfriend in Tuscaloosa,  another daughter watching Auburn with her beau, while here at the house, Mr. Jones and I will be cheering on the Midshipmen at 3:30 & our favorite SEC team at 8:00 ……..

GOOOOO DAWGS!


I am linking up for Foodie Friday this week.  Stop on over and see what else is cooking this weekend!