Tailgate Diva’s tips for Week 8: Nebraska Cornhuskers v Northwestern Wildcats

Just in case you’re NOT traveling to Chicago like a lot of the Husker faithful (remember the stink the NW fans had over the Sea of Red Invasion?) here are some STAY-Gating tips for your weekend ~ Tailgate Diva

The bye week is finally over. Pelini said it “felt like it was 2 months.” I agree. Next up for the Huskers is Northwestern Wildcats. It’s Homecoming in Evanston and they are celebrating with Gothic inspired uniforms. Underarmour even brought back the “old gold” which was once the school colors to go with the Purple now adopted by the Wildcats. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2222386-northwestern-unveils-new-gothic-uniforms-for-game-against-nebraska

I’m looking for the Nebraska Cornhuskers to open this game up and win without a last second Hail Mary to Westerkamp this year. I think the defense will handle freshman RB Justin Jackson and I look to them to cause problems for QB, Trevor Siemian. Kenny Bell is finally healthy so I’m thinking Armstrong has someone else to throw to besides Westerkamp. And my favorite newcomer, Demornay Pierson-El will continue to FLASH down the field and put the Huskers in good field position. GO BIG RED!

Etiquette Tip: If you are lucky enough to travel to a different venue, take the time to learn their tailgating rules when it comes to cooking and drinking. Some places do not allow charcoal grills, others don’t have restrictions. When it comes to alcoholic beverages in Lincoln, if you are on school property, there is NO drinking allowed. That being said, if you have a solo cup, preferably red, with a beverage in it, you most likely won’t be bothered. In some locations, there are no rules because they have a “wet campus.” At Alex Box Stadium on the LSU campus, you can have a beer in your hand. you don’t have to hide it with a koozie or anything! In Chicago at the Northwestern campus, open container is allowed (according a friend who has tailgated and will be again this week).

FOOD: When I think of Chicago, I think of pizza. Authentic thick crust at Uno’s is my favorite. Others swear by Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria or My π (my pie).  If you are wanting thin crust, hit up Vito & Nick’s. For the at home party, I recommend cooking up your own pizza and letting your guests get in on the fun. I make a couple basic pizzas (pepperoni & a hamburger) and then have little personal size bread available for people to get creative. You can make the crusts from a mix, or go big with the Boboli bread. There are other brands on the market and even Gluten free offerings. Plenty of sauce choices also. Just pop them in a toaster oven, or a regular oven and it’s game on! I’ve compiled a couple of different options from the traditional.

Shrimp and Pancetta pizza recipe from Pillsbury uses shrimp and Alfredo pasta sauce and pancetta/bacon for a different twist on pizza. I add in more garlic and use bigger shrimp, cut up into pieces.

Spinach and Chicken with White Sauce is another tasty and healthier option.

Ingredients:

3 cups diced spinach

2 garlic minced cloves

1 cup part skim mozzarella cheese

Olive oil (as needed)

SAUCE

½ c plain non-fat Greek yogurt

½ tsp garlic salt

¼ tsp onion powder

Make pizza crust and preheat oven to required setting. Saute spinach and garlic in enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan, and remove from heat. Stir in yogurt, garlic salt, and onion powder. Spread sauce evenly onto crust. Layer cheese evenly. Layer chicken and other veggies (mushrooms and/or peppers) and bake until cheese melts. *I include more cheese and toss in grated asiago for some kick.

Purple is the color of the Wildcats. Lots of purple drinks out there but nothing that really trips my trigger. It’s all too sweet for me. The Wildcat Drink is meant for the hardcore drinkers. It’s simple, 1 ½ ounces of Bourbon and Ginger Ale mixer. With the fall/winter ales out in force, I’m going to go with Sam Adams Octoberfest, Harvest Pumpkin Ale and Harvest Saison. It’s that time of the season and since glass bottles aren’t a good idea at outside tailgates, it’s the perfect time to enjoy them at a garage party or someone’s man cave.

** Lagniappe – (that’s LSU for a lil something extra) if you add up the cumulative points of the past 3 games between NW v NU, the Huskers lead by only 1 point. (2011 – 28 v. 25; 2012 – 28-29; and 2013 24-27)

Be sure to like Husker Corner on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, snag the FanSided app (iOS) (Android) and subscribe to our newsletter below to keep plugged into Husker Nation from all over the globe.