Game Day in Texas

 

We love our football here in Texas! College game day conjures pictures of tailgates, packed stadiums, and reunions of alumni who shared a common experience at a University.  Even high school football games are revered – what other state had a show like “Friday Night Lights”?

 

But if you’re hosting a tailgate at home with friends, we all know it’s about the spread…so to speak. At Texicureans, we thrive on giving you recipes you won’t see everyday. So we aren’t doing the traditional BBQ and Potato Salad for this one. Skip to the end for Michelle’s recipes: Peach & Brie Grilled Cheese plus Watermelon and Feta Salad.      

 

Michelle House, Class of 2018, Texas A&M University invited Texicureans to her apartment in Austin to create a tailgate at home alternative.  My Niece, Emily (Class of ‘17) pitched in decorating with the enthusiasm of only a true Aggie. But even if you aren’t an Aggie or Aggie-curious, these menu and decorating tips can be applied to your school of choice. 

 

Each of our Universities here in Texas have a unique history.  Texas A&M, a land grant university, was initiated by the United States Congress Morrill Act.  This act  stated that the “leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and mechanical arts.”  So although Baylor University is the oldest private University in Texas, A&M became the first public institution of higher learning.  Classes began in 1876 with 40 students and 6 faculty members in Brazos County.  All students – being male at the time, were required to participate in the Corp of Cadets military training.  

 

It wouldn’t be until the 1960’s that the doors were open to women and African-Americans; and when involvement in the Corps of Cadets became voluntary.  It was also during this time that the name was officially changed from Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas to Texas A&M University.  The A&M became a nod to the past, but no longer officially stood for Agricultural and Mechanical.  

 

The name of the University may have been modified, but the Corp of Cadets remains a strong institution. During World War II, 20,229 former cadets from the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets served in the U.S. military, more than any other university.

Fortunately for Michelle and a host of students, Texas A&M has expanded to approximately 270 degree programs.  Schools of Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Law are just a few of the graduate programs. 

Thousands of Aggie Alumni and fans gather every Fall to root for their football team and sway back and forth to the “Aggie War Hymn”. If they aren’t in the stadium, they are in living rooms and in our example, patios and balconies. 

Fortunately, I was able to enlist two such Aggies to illustrate an elevated take on the at home tailgate.  It really doesn’t have to be complicated to create a game day atmosphere.  Emily draped a string of lights on Michelle’s balcony, hung a “game day” banner, and set out trays of snacks.  We love Nora Fleming ware – you can add multiple inserts to fit the occasion – and of course this called for an Aggie football helmet (Nora Fleming can be purchased at “The Southernist Boutique” in New Braunfels).  An Aggie themed bucket full of token footballs took center stage and of course there was the requisite football to pitch around.  

Michelle and I did a practice run on a light meal.  It can still be very hot here in Texas in the Fall – so this menu fits the bill.  “Peach and Brie Grilled Cheese” sandwiches anchor the plate and are accompanied by “Watermelon and Feta Salad”.  Michelle loves to experiment with flavors in the kitchen and I think you’ll find that a few surprise ingredients give both dishes a favorable twist.