If you're one of the few lucky football fans who will be tailgating in New Jersey on February 2, Floyd Cardoz—Top Chef Masters winner and executive chef of NYC's North End Grill—has some sound advice to help you up your food game. First step: secure plenty of Tabasco Sauce. Even if you can't make it to New York (and the party is in your driveway), this sage cooking advice is still valuable:
• Resealable plastic bags are a great way to transport food—especially meats that are pre-marinating. These Fast and Spicy BBQ Wings (pictured above) travel well in their tangy sauce.
• If you know you'll be rushed at the grill, plan ahead and try braising the meat before putting it on the grill. This softens the meat so it cooks faster, while still imparting that distinctive grill flavor. (Try finishing this Tabasco Brined and Beer Braised Pork on the grill.)
• If you're grilling up fish (like this Hot Grilled Trout) be sure to have plenty of oil to prevent it from sticking to the grill. Canola oil is best.
• And of course, always keep a back-up tank of gas. There's nothing worse than realizing you've run out of propane in the middle of a party.
For more game day recipes, and to test out Floyd's tips, head to Tabasco.com.
