Rainy Day Tailgating

I had the perfect plan for my re-emergence onto the cooking scene: Polo tailgating.

Forget the big hats and sleek dresses a la Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. My polo experiences are pretty much defined by snacks, wine and friends enjoyed under the Florida sunshine.

This year's excursion promised to be the best yet. One of my friends has a grill attached to the back of his truck. Another a little tent. And of course one can not forget my contribution: the picnic table and cooler in the back of my CRV.

The menu planning began at least a week in advance, and with plans to grill who else would I look to than Bobby Flay, my favorite grill master. I found an interesting recipe for a Grilled Jerk Chicken with Mango and Cilantro Salsa. To top that off, I thought I'd whip up a munchie I saw Giada make on her show a few weeks ago, Tilapia Fish Tacos with Arugula.

Both came out pretty well. For the chicken, I used drum sticks and wings. Bobby Flay recommends marinating the meat for 24 to 48 hours, depending on how strong you want the flavor. I went some where in between, and I have to say I felt like it could have been stronger. The flavor was good, but I would have liked a little more spice. I did cheat and use jalapeno peppers instead of the one called for in the recipe.

For Giada's, I was too lazy and busy to go to the Asian market for the wontons and decided to put my own little twist on the bite size fish tacos. I rolled corn tortillas into little cones, pressed the edges tight to hold the shape, placed them in a cupckae tin and popped them in the oven until crisp.

But just as we pulled everything together, Mother Nature threatened our party with afternoon thunder storms.

Good thing we gals don't let anyone rain on our parade. We moved our party indoors : )