BRAVES TAILGATING

FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATION

By Doc Lawrence

ATLANTA. It’s not your ordinary parking lot. On the hallowed grounds just outside Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, the picnic baskets are open, the grills hot, coolers are full and space-from card tables to the bed of trucks- is set aside for Tailgating. This weekend has something extra special:  We are honoring Dad. Baseball fans and Fathers seem to fit nicely.

Braves Star Evan Gattis

Perhaps more than any other sport, baseball brings generations together. My father, at 95, lives in Tennessee now and regularly watches the Braves on television. Early memories of growing up in Atlanta include watching Eddie Mathews play for the minor league dynasty Atlanta Crackers just before the third baseman and future Hall of Fame member became a Braves legend.

Before all the chopping and chanting begins, let’s get the Tailgating soiree underway. Chef Lara Lyn Carter, along with her three boys and husband is a Braves fan. And she is devoted to her father. A special treat for Father’s Day? We decided to share a wonderful and original hot weather dish that salutes a young man who has quickly become a fan favorite, Evan Gattis. He’s from Texas and you’ll enjoy the taste the connection.

This is margarita weather. Mix those cocktails before leaving home and for goodness sake use fresh juice and natural ingredients instead of that hideous garbage called pre-mix. Limes, oranges and Agave nectar are plentiful this time of year. Tequila? Your choice. No distilled spirit deserves more respect for being 100% natural.

        “Gattis gotta have it” Chicken Burritos
                    By Chef Lara Lyn Carter
4 large boneless skinless chicken breast cooked and shredded
1 can of cream of chicken soup

Chef Lara Lyn Carter

12 ounces sour cream
½ cup milk
8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese shredded and divided
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded and divided
1 4.5 can of diced green chilies
8 large flour tortillas
In a large bowl combine the chicken, soup, sour cream, milk, half of the Pepper Jack cheese, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, and the chilies together. Dividing the mixture evenly among the tortillas and roll them up. Arrange them in a greased 9x13 baking pan. Bake the burritos covered with foil at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Uncover the burritos and top them with the remaining cheese. Return the burritos to the oven and cook for an additional 10 minutes






                                                                                    Don Julio Blanco Margarita

   (Serves eight Braves fans)
18.75 oz.
Don Julio® Blanco Tequila
3.75 oz.
orange liqueur
11.25 oz.
Fresh lime juice
7.5 oz.
Agave nectar to taste