Pre-game Fun On A Budget

Tailgating is a way of life and it doesn’t have to break the bank for dollars or calories. Here are some ideas that make it easier to meet your goals.

Keep the protein portion reasonable and fill the plate with grilled veggies and salad. A balanced meal includes lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruit. Try using the grill for vegetables, potato wedges, pineapple rings or canned peach halves, which are all great additions at a reasonable price.
Kabobs are a great way to stretch the budget! Alternate cubes of meat, chicken or turkey with veggies or potatoes. Grill until meat/poultry reaches the proper internal temperature.
If beef is on the menu, consider a lean cut such as flank or flat iron steak. Both are served cut on the diagonal for tenderness. One steak (1 to 1-1/4 lbs.) can serve three to four people. Note that a 4 oz. raw portion of meat will yield a 3 oz. cooked portion.
Don’t forget the burgers, but try blending in some grated or chopped veggies like pepper, onion, or mushrooms for added moisture and flavor.
Save money on chicken by buying cut pieces with the skin and the bones. Grill the chicken with the skin on for flavor, but remove the skin before eating in order to decrease the fat.
For a variety of vegetables, grill chunks of zucchini, bell pepper, onions, mushrooms, sweet or white potato, and carrots. Prior to grilling, lightly spray or coat the veggies with olive oil and your favorite seasonings.

Don’t Forget Safety!

Keep cold food at or below 40°F to take to the tailgate. Pack and use a meat thermometer to ensure meat and seafood is cooked to the proper internal temperature: 145°F for roasts and steaks, 145°F for seafood, 160°F for ground meat, and 165°F for poultry. If you plan on taking hot food, make sure to pack in an insulated carrier. Bring hand wipes or hand sanitizer and a bottle of water to clean hands before and after handling raw meat. Always follow the “two hour rule” for cooked foods — eat them or refrigerate them within two hours at a refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below. And, if left out in a room or outdoors where the temperature is 90ºF or above, food should be refrigerated or eaten within just 1 hour

Fresh Tailgating Savings!

Get in the team spirit with great Weekly Savings! from Giant Eagle^® on all your favorite pre-game snacks!

	Certified Angus Beef Burgers These Certified Angus Beef burgers or seasoned turkey burgers are store-made, ready-to-cook and available in 12 gourmet flavors!

	Giant Eagle^® Fresh Dinner Sausages These tasty dinner sausages come in hot and sweet flavors, have an all natural casing, are made with no preservatives and are gluten free!

	Chicken Wings Select from various sauces and seasonings. Available in the Prepared Foods Department.

	Inland Market Gourmet Seafood Spreads These dips make an elegant presentation for entertaining. Serve with a variety of crackers and artisan breads.

	Giant Eagle^® Salsa Made with fresh ingredients in a variety of flavors, like Fire Roasted Tomato, Peach Mango, or Mexican Style!

	Mini Gobs Give your guests a sweet treat as they cheer on their favorite team!

	Fruit and Vegetable Trays A great healthy alternative to salty snacks!