UGA vs. Georgia Tech is one of college football’s most intense rivalries, dating back to 1893. It has been described as Clean Old-Fashioned Hate complete with taunting, pranks and a sea of gold, navy, red and black. But, you can do even more to show your school pride by choosing Southern foods from each side of the football battleground. Just follow these 3 easy tips I discussed on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. You can see the video by clicking here.
1. Drink Wisely – if you are going to drink alcohol (and no I don’t encourage drinking and if you are an athlete, I’ll tell you a number of reasons to cut down or cut out alcohol), at least choose local brew. Georgia Tech fans have several beers to choose from Red Brick Brewing Company’s lineup (formerly Atlanta Brewing Company). UGA fans should support Athen’s based, Terrapin Beer Company.
And of course, responsible drinking means alternating every alcoholic drink with water or another non-alcoholic beverage so you stay sober and avoid a hangover the next day.
2. Step Up Your Seasoning
Gourmet chefs rely on the best marinades they can find and, if you live in Atlanta and you are looking for healthy flavorful seasoning blends, turn to Mo’Spices Low Sodium Abodo Seasonings out of Marietta. Abodo is the perfect blend of Latin Spices and seasonings that will transform your food into a delicious dish (see recipes below). But, even GA Tech fans can’t get enough of UGA graduate Gena Knox’s Fire and Flavor line to spice up their burgers, poultry, fish and other dishes. Fire and Flavor has an extensive lineup of seasonings, easy brining kits (they have me sold on brining!), cedar planks and more. I can’t wait to try several of the recipes in Gena’s two cookbooks.
3. Put Some New Recruits in the Game
If you’ve been bringing the same ol’ same ol’ chips, dips and brownies to every tailgating party this year, it’s time for a change and to put some faith in new recruits that are proven winners at the Taste of Georgia contest in 2012. Lauri Jo’s award winning Muscadine Pepper Jelly pairs well with cream cheese served with whole grain crackers. If your guests want chips though, she also has a fabulous salsa. And, if you want a delicious grab and go treat that combines two favorite Southern foods, check out Grit Bits and Gourmet Goodies Vidalia Onion Grit Bits.
White Bean Chicken Chili (recipe from Monique of Mo’s Spices & Seasonings)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 98% lean ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, chopped (I added 3 onions but I love onions!)
- 2 cups cooked Navy beans (I used canned Navy beans and rinsed them well to rinse the sodium off for my guests who need low sodium meals)
- chili powder to taste
- Mo’Spices Adobo (season to taste)
- Mo’Spices Seasoned Sea Salt (season to taste)
- No Salt or Organic Ketchup, to taste
- olive oil
Directions
- Saute’ onions in oil until translucent
- Scoop onions to the perimeter of the pan, add ground chicken and brown
- Season browned chicken with Mo’Spices Seasoned Sea Salt
- Add navy beans to the browned chicken and onions
- Mix in chili powder and Mo’Spices Adobo (I don’t love chili powder so I left this out completely)
- Cook for about 5 minutes on medium
- Add ketchup and mix well (I left this out too and let people add ketchup as desired)
- Simmer for about 10- 15 minutes