Fall football tailgate recipes

By Abigail Takacs

Saturdays in the south are a tradition like no other. At the University of South Carolina, student pharmacists are just like every other Gamecock (our school nickname) when Saturday rolls around. While pharmacy school itself is a huge commitment, student pharmacists across the southeast, like myself, also have another crucial commitment: SEC football.

The Saturday gameday tradition in Columbia, SC, is truly an exhilarating experience. You cannot help but be drawn to the competitive culture that is South Carolina Gamecock football. We anxiously await the chilling words from our beloved pre-kickoff intro: “It is Saturday in South Carolina.” The area outside of Williams-Brice Stadium overflows with tailgating fans as far as the eye can see. The only thing we take more seriously than our SEC football is our tailgating.

Here’s a few recipes to spice up the next game you watch, whether you are tailgating or watching from home!

Scorch Dip
2 blocks cream cheese, softened
1 package bacon bits
1 8oz package shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup pickled (from jar) jalapeno peppers, diced
1 tablespoon honey

Mix all ingredients together by hand and refrigerate. Serve with crackers or pretzels.

Southern Sausage Balls
1 lb breakfast sausage (Jimmy Dean or equivalent, hot sausage if preferred)
1 lb cheddar cheese, grated
2½ cups Bisquick

Mix together by hand and form into small balls about the size of a quarter. Place balls in Ziplock bag and freeze. While still frozen, bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until brown.