I’m a southern girl, I was born in Texas, I reside in Texas, and I spend my days surrounded by Cowboys, Texans, and Saints fans. Let’s get one thing straight though. No matter how much one might assume that I support one of these teams, I am a Patriots fan through and through.

I will don my Patriots fan gear with pride for every game. During my 11 years in Maine I was drawn into the deep passion for the team shared by the people of New England. Their hearts are with the players every season and after a few years of being surrounded by the “Patriots Passion”, so was mine. There is something about that New England pride that just pulls me in. Nobody does football or football food, quite like a Pats fan. That’s why this season I’m spiking my tailgating food with a bit more excitement with the help of Litehouse Foods products.

No matter what team you root for, football isn’t football without the tradition of tailgating. Friends and family meet up in the parking lot of the football stadium hours before the game begins. Rain, shine, sleet, or snow you will find them there ready to cheer their team to victory. Cars are grouped together like tents at a camp ground; coolers are filled with ice cold beer and food for the grill. Tailgating has become a pretty serious sport for fans. The old fashioned hot dogs and burgers are no longer suitable for such an occasion. Dry rubs, meats that have been smoked for hours, and classic football food with a twist is what you’ll find on the menu these days. Let’s face it, football food is growing up. Are you ready to kick it up a notch this season?

Consider inviting Litehouse to your next Tailgating party. With plenty of fresh products to choose from giving old tailgate foods a fun twist is fast and easy! Marinate your favorite meats in zesty dressings, replace plain Jane sour cream with flavorful dips, and add Instantly Fresh Herbs to cream cheese for a more adult-like spread. Who has time to spend hours cooking food when you have more important tailgating business to take care of, like digging all of that fan gear out of the closet, or painting your face in team colors?

My first tailgating creation of the new football season is Southwestern Spinach Dip Stuffed Jalapenos. Yeah. You heard me right. We’ve all done spinach dip or cream cheese stuffed jalapenos.  That’s fine and dandy, but it’s time to make some touchdown worthy food. Fresh spinach and other southwestern vegetables are tossed with Litehouse’s creamy Mild Jalapeno Dip and stuffed into a fresh jalapeno. Topped with a crispy panko layer and baked until bubbly these are sure to get you revved up for the big game! Happy Tailgating!