The heat is on in Charlotte, NC. Literally, because it is finally warm and muggy outside. Figuratively, because my #4, Clifton, is graduating from High School in a couple of weeks! All of a sudden the year end events, lax games (Go Hawks!), graduation gifts, and goodbyes have me …
College Football Tailgating
Pasta Salad with Sausage and Pepper Jack
Pasta salads are fun to eat and easy to prepare. Cook up a pound of pasta, splash on some dressing, toss in some fixings, and enjoy! Taylor and I know that a pasta salad is a great addition to any tailgate, cookout, or well-stocked refrigerator. Cooked, crumbled breakfast …
Stuffed Potato Skins
I am a fan of Stuffed Potato Skins. They are hearty and healthy (after all, most of the nutrients and fiber in a Russet potato are in the skin)! Bring them to a gathering and you become everyone’s new BFF. Serve them at the pre-game tailgate to get your friends fueled up …
Beef Tenderloin With Roasted Garlic Sauce
Can you believe it is 2015? You may not know this, but Taylor Takes A Taste turns 5 later this month! Sally and I are working on a ton of new content and features for the site’s 5th birthday! In the mean time, I wanted to bring you one of my favorite recipes we did in 2014. As …
Frito Fried Chicken Tenders with Sweet & Spicy Peach Dipping Sauce
In the above video you heard Sally talk about how she has fried a lot of chicken. She isn’t kidding. My youngest brother, Clifton, loves chicken tenders! When he was younger, some would say Clifton was a picky eater, but I prefer saying he had a very selective palate. My Mom …
Triple “T” Chili
I must say, I really love this chili. It has the hearty, stick to your ribs quality that I expect from a good bowl of red. Thankfully, this chili has packs a protein punch that will not side line you for the afternoon if you over indulge with an extra bowl (or two!). Triple “T” …
White Cheddar Whipped Potatoes with Bacon Pancetta Crust
For this weekend’s tailgate, I wanted to add a bit of elegance to a tried and true mashed potato side dish. A delicious casserole of whipped Yukon gold potatoes and white cheddar cheese gets ramped up with a crunchy crust of bacon, pancetta and caramelized onions. This yummy side …
Chipotle Sausage Bacon Pinwheels
My four children have all been active in high school and year round sports teams. Taylor, as many of you know, was a Division I distance swimmer in college. My youngest son, currently a high school Senior, will play Division I lacrosse in college. These facts mean that I am …
Bacon Cheese with Fig Jam
The best appetizers have two qualities. They can be made a day or two ahead of time and they are easy to assemble and serve at your tailgate. Bacon cheese can be made, molded and stored in the refrigerator midweek. On gameday, pack the bacon cheese in a cooler and transport to …
French Bread Crisps with Roasted Grapes or Grape Tomatoes
A key to a successful tailgating season is to always serve a menu with variety and versatility. Having dishes that can be used in different ways throughout the day and in different ways throughout the season will keep your guests coming back to every game eager to take a bite out …