Tailgate Like a Champ: Eckrich Offers Tips and Recipes

LISLE, Ill. , Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Although Kirk Herbstreit is most famous for analyzing the on-field action between college football's top rivals, the Emmy-winning broadcaster and Eckrich spokesperson knows about nearly everything surrounding the game, especially tailgating. And now, Eckrich, part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, is partnering with Herbstreit to share their advice with passionate Florida football tailgaters with Top-10 tips and tasty Eckrich Smoked Sausage recipes that bring the smoke to any tailgate. 

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Whether it's choosing which Eckrich recipes to prepare or how to man the grill, Eckrich and Herbstreit have it covered. The advice comes from years of traveling to Florida's best college campuses and seeing first-hand the fans who have turned tailgating into an art form.

"College football and tailgating are very popular in Florida," Herbstreit said. "I've seen the best setups, the best cooks and the best game day recipes that Florida has to offer and I'm excited to share a few tips I've picked up along the way. Hopefully this advice will make everyone's experience even better. And you can't go wrong serving Eckrich Smoked Sausage at your tailgate."

Eckrich worked alongside Herbstreit to offer the following tailgating tips to fans:

1. Make a list and pack as much as possible the night before the game.
2. Keep the menu simple and pack prepared foods in disposable containers or freezer bags.
3. Ice down the beverages just before you hit the road.
4. Line your portable grill with aluminum foil for easy clean-up and disposal of used charcoal.
5. Boil your sausage in beer for 2-3 minutes before grilling for added flavor.
6. When the grill is ready, bring the smoke by piling on multiple varieties of delicious Eckrich Smoked Sausage.
7. Avoid pressing down on your sausage while grilling to retain flavorful natural juices.
8. Keep your grill closed as much as possible to trap the vapors that instill better flavor.
9. Remember all the extras – mustard, sauerkraut, BBQ sauce – to score extra points with your friends.
10. Bring enough food for everyone. It's better to have food to bring home than run out when you're there!

In addition to these tips, Florida fans can make these delicious Eckrich recipes to enjoy on game days. Each recipe was selected for its ease of preparation and, of course, its crowd-pleasing taste.

To view the recipes, click on the links below:

Grilled Kabobs with Lower Sodium Smoked Sausage and Veggies  
Eckrich Smoked Sausage Links with Bacon & Onion Marmalade
Smoky Sausage Chili
Rich N' Cheesy Smoked Sausage Cheese Dip

Florida college football fans and tailgaters can also enter for a chance to win a trip for four to the Ultimate Tailgate in Pasadena, California in January, and meet Kirk Herbstreit.

To enter the Eckrich Ultimate Tailgate sweepstakes, fans are encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/EckrichMeats to learn more and enter for their chance to win.

About Eckrich 
Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com or www.facebook.com/EckrichMeats

About John Morrell Food Group 
With over a century and a half of experience, John Morrell Food Group brands have become respected and well known for providing premium-quality meat products to families across the United States. With products ranging from lunchmeat and franks to smoked sausage, bacon and pepperoni, the John Morrell Food Group is an important part of consumers' mealtimes. The John Morrell Food Group offers several national and regional brands including Armour^®, Eckrich^®, John Morrell^®, Curly's^®, Patrick Cudahy^®, Carando^®, Healthy Ones^®, Margherita^® Kretschmar^® and LunchMakers^®.

About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $13 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, John Morrell®, Kretschmar®, Curly's®, Carando®, Margherita®, and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.

CONTACT:
Jeff Dennison
704-766-9061
[email protected]

SOURCE Eckrich