Contributed by Michiel Perry of Black Southern Belle
Photo credit Chantilly Lace Photography and Mercedes B Photography
The Super Bowl is right around the corner, and although we are still quarantining, that doesn’t mean we can’t tailgate at home. As a southerner and HBCU grad, I love football and any reason for a tailgate. This year, my family and I will celebrate the Super Bowl with an outdoor tailgate on our front porch and in our backyard with Southern family staples that are game day approved. If you love the Super Bowl and tailgating as much as we do, here are a few way to celebrate in style.
At-Home Tailgate
To get into the football spirit start by setting the scene, whether you pitch a tent, create a car tailgate bar, or decorate your porch. We decorated a tent with a variety of HBCU hats and a buffet table. Create your own car tailgate at home by adding bales of hay or folding chairs for seating. Decorate folding tables and bar carts with tablecloths, greenery, flowers, and decorations to celebrate your favorite NFL team. These little touches help to set the scene and make you feel like you’re at your favorite stadium tailgate.
Super Bowl Snacks
We recommend dip-friendly Lowcountry favorites and foods you can eat with your hands. Fried catfish, shrimp, chicken livers, and okra pair great with sauces; chow chow relish, apple butter, and onion maple jam. There are delicious sweet and savory options for any palate. Or create a make-your-own sandwich bar with blackened chicken with fresh rolls or biscuits. For sides I love fresh crab salad and fried or pickled okra. These Southern classics are easy to eat by hand or with limited utensils while cheering on your team. Layer your tables or bar carts with sauces, sides, and entrees. Don’t forget straws, napkins, and other items for your family to nibble on.
Biscuit Bar
Create a fresh biscuit bar with a selection of your family’s favorites as spreads. The biscuits pair great with fried meats for easy sandwiches. I love to add biscuits in a champagne bucket or bowl with a linen napkin.
Hydration Station
Just like the players it’s important to stay hydrated! So we created our own hydration station. Choose a variety of your favorite fruits including berries, citrus fruits, and cucumbers for your family to add to their water. For die hard fans, choose only fruits in your team colors. Decorate your station with cups and straws in your favorite NFL or HBCU team colors.
Sweet Zone
Desserts always make everyone happy, even if your team loses. Fudge Brownies or Apple Crumble in a cup are yummy, hearty options for your Super Bowl party.
HBCU
As an HBCU grad, I collect HBCU memorabilia from various colleges and incorporate the hats and keepsakes to our decorations. In celebration of the NFL players who are HBCU alums and this year five players are South Carolina State University alum, including Antonio Hamilton and Alex Brown will play the big game. As I have so many family members and friends who are proud Bull Dogs, including content writers such as Kris Kaylin, I am so excited to see them represent the Palmetto State in the Super Bowl. I wasn’t able to attend SC State homecoming last year and experience the tailgate food and fellowship, but at least I can tailgate at home and try to replicate some of the recipes or pick up some Orangeburg classics from Three Matriarch Bed & Breakfast.
