Ok, someone mentioned bacon around here, and I couldn't help but think about this Brat recipe I came across which is really simple and really good. On top of that, cold_old_steeler_fan posted about good date recipes a little while back and some pretty good ones were shared there.

So in that spirit, and because all the good blog topics have been taken this week, I think it would be good if people shared their game day recipes, or key food staples, whether they are tailgating, watching at home, or at the Bar.

Damn Simple Brats

Cabbage

Different varieties of cabbage have subtley different tastes, so good old basic green cabbage is fine but I use an Asian cabbage which comes out nice.

Bacon!

Yes, bacon. Again, regular bacon is fine but I use a hickory smoked bacon for this.

Brats

Wide variety of brats out there as well, but I go for freshest and ideally get down to a German market I know about.

Salt and pepper

Rolls

Ok, you can use basic rolls, but I go down to a Mexican bakery and they have these rolls that are big enough for the brat and cabbage and have a really good taste while holding together well.

Chop up the cabbage, thin strips works best, kraut style. Ok, get the bacon going in a good sized pan, turn and just about when its done, pull it out and chop into small pieces. Chop up the cabbage, thin strips works best, kraut style. Huck the cabbage into the pan of bacon juices and turn and coat the cabbage with it, salt and pepper as you go but go easy. A little is enough, there will be plenty of flavor anyways. Cover for about 10 minutes, giving it a stir once in a while. Throw the brats on top of the cabbage and cover again. After about 10 minutes, turn them. They're getting good and steamed with all the flavory goodness. After about 5-7 minutes, uncover and push the cabbage to the sides, or pull and put in a warming pan n super low. Let the brats brown, turning every so often. When they are how you like em, whether its just a little brown or toasty blackened, then load into a roll and dress it up with the cabbage bacon kraut stuff. I like to add some spicy brown mustard, and occasionally some ketchup even though the purists out there will be outraged by suggesting such a thing.  OT just pile some brats and cabbage on a plate and skip the bread.

Health Alert: May clog arteries.

So what you got community? Ribs? Potato Salad? Teach us your secrets! Bacon is optional.