Spring is in full swing. I couldn’t be happier.

Okay, maybe I could be happier if it was maybe 10 degrees warmer. But I digress.

I adore springtime. My boys are outside throwing the ball around all the time now. That’s because the snow is gone and it’s warmer out. Even my dogs seem to be happier. Plus, baseball opening day is on its way and I’m ready to play ball!

Or maybe I’m ready to watch some other guys play ball while I eat steak.

Same thing, right?

Steaks typically make an appearance in our house whenever we’re gathered around the TV watching something. It’s just how it works. And in the spring when the grill is fired up full time it’s so much fun to get out the steak recipes and have fun.

I just like being outside and smelling the aroma of the smoky grill. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, the smell of a neighbor’s grill will waft over and I can enjoy some second-hand grill smoke. It’s a favorite pastime of mine, too.

This spring, on our side of the fence, we’ll go with some tried and true recipes like our simple rub or a marinade with Worcestershire sauce or even Teriyaki (that’s my favorite).

But throughout the season we’ll try some new recipes like this Grilled Strip with Black Bean Sauce. I like the way the juxtaposition of the black beans and the steak sounds. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a Kansas City strip steak. It’s meaty, hearty and so flavorful.

I’m thinking I might try this Mediterranean Steak Sandwich, too. It calls for Top Sirloin sandwich steaks, crumbled feta cheese and some delicious seasonings. Sandwich steaks are a nice way to make it more casual for baseball season. They’re so filling, too!

Join me in celebrating game day and all springtime has to offer by firing up the grill and grilling up some steaks. It’s about time!

The opponents have been set. It’s Denver versus Carolina in the biggest football game of them all. Will you be watching? I can’t wait!

But not for the game.

I really, really can’t wait to eat some good game day food, whoop it up with my friends, and oh yeah, check the score every now and then.

It’s really all about the food, isn’t it? Or is that just me?

Every year, I like to pit one opponent’s food against the other’s. Choose a game day food representative of each region and have at it. And this year, it’s gonna be delicious!

So . . . we’ve got Denver and the Carolinas. An interesting match up for the foodies.

First up? A Denver omelette. Delicious. This one’s kind of the unexpected underdog. But it’s so tasty, it’ll sneak up on you. I’ll use bone-in ham steak for amazing flavor. Plus, red and green peppers and cheddar cheese. This omelette is magically delicious and it has a real chance of coming out the winner of this food battle.

In the other corner, we’ve got Carolina. With so many great choices, we’ve GOT to be strategic if it’s gonna have a chance to beat Denver.

And since the Carolinas are known for barbecue we’ve got so many amazing options. Steaks, pulled pork sandwiches, ribs – the works!

I think I’ll find a great steak recipe and let the judging begin!

But I’ve got to be careful or my friends might be so busy eating the competition that they might forget they’re supposed to choose!

I guess I can just see which dish disappears first and then declare a winner.

Have fun hosting your own food battle to rival the big game. To me, it’s more fun than even what’s going on on TV – because in THIS battle I get to actually participate!

The big game coming up requires food – and lots of it.

What will you be making to munch on while two teams who have made it to the championship of all championships battle it out?

It’s a lot of pressure . . . on you.

But here are some delicious steak recipes to help you make the most out of this once-a-year fiesta.

Yes, I said STEAK recipes. That’s because every big party means steak to me. It’s just a natural.

First and foremost, Crab Stuffed Filet is absolutely to-die-for. Beautiful filet mignon is stuffed with lump crabmeat and flavored with amazing spices and garnish. It’s really an unforgettable dish. Your guests might even forget there’s a football game going on they’ll be so enthralled with this recipe.

Be prepared to share your recipe – if you feel generous.

Or, another recipe featuring the amazing, delicate filet mignon is Spicy Bourbon Filets. Seems a fitting tribute to the big game gathering. This recipe includes soy sauces mixed with bourbon, Jalapeno Tabasco sauce and cracked green peppercorns. I told you it was spicy!

There are lots of great sirloin steak options for this party, too. Try a KC Cheese Steak using Top Sirloin sandwich steaks, onions and Swiss cheese. It’s ooey, gooey, cheesy and delicious! And this one is served on a sandwich bun. It’s always a hit!

Another fantastic recipe using sirloin steaks is the Lemon Herbed Top Sirloin. This one is so easy and provides a great, practical option for those who don’t want all the spiciness or cheeses. With lemon zest and Worcestershire sauce seasoning, this one is sure to please even the most picky eater.

With these great recipe ideas, you’re sure to have a party for the big game that people will be talking about for a long time – and they won’t even mention football!