Summertime’s baseball time! And one BIG reason we like to go to the ball park? Why, the food, of course!

Bring the excitement of the ball park home with a ball park inspired menu and it’ll be a home run for sure!

Start with …

HOT DOGS

I mean, how can you not start there? Hot dogs, franks, frankfurters – whatever you want to call them – make sure to have lots of condiments – sauerkraut, relish, mustard, the works! Just make sure it’s Kansas City beef for the best taste.

Then offer …

BURGERS

Hot dogs and burgers just go together. And at the ball park, you ALWAYS get a choice.

Then make sure to have …

BEER-BATTERED ONION RINGS

Absolute perfection. And they go with everything. Try this recipe for killer rings!

And finish up with …

GRAND SLAM CUPCAKES

Cupcakes in the spirit of baseballs with licorice laces. Adorable and delicious. Get the recipe here.

Have fun creating your own customized menu and bring the ball park to your house!

Let’s dispel some common misconceptions about our favorite pastime, shall we?

Okay, you’ve got your gourmet steaks ready, the grill is lit – should you leave the cover open or shut?

That depends on how quickly you want them finished. Thicker steaks should probably be grilled with the lid shut – especially USDA prime steaks. And if you are concerned about charred food you may want to leave the lid open so you can put out flare-ups quickly. They can happen with the lid closed and you won’t even know it.

So how often should the grill be cleaned?

The answer is simple. Before every new grilling session. Leftover particles may contain bacteria – and we don’t want any of that! Be sure to let the grill heat up nice and hot before putting your meat on to let the heat burn off anything you didn’t get with the brush.

Should you coat your grill with oil to avoid sticking?

That depends on your personal preference. But many of us don’t want the fat content associated with oils so layering with foil is a great alternative or use a grill basket. Baskets are fun to use, too!

Want more answers to your “burning” questions about grilling? Check out our friends over BBQMyths.com‘s advice. You’ll be glad you did!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

It’s almost America’s Independence Day!

So let’s take a look a some of America’s most popular American foods. Here’s an unofficial list compiled by ME. Make your own if you feel I missed something!

1. HOT DOGS

I mean, what do we eat while watching America’s pastime? Why, hot dogs! All beef, of course.

2. BURGERS

When people travel to America, they HAVE to stop and order a burger somewhere. It’s quintessentially American.

3. ICE CREAM

You know this one makes the list. We love this stuff!

4. PIZZA

It may have come from Italy, but we took it to a whole new level. Seriously. Top it with beef and it’s a homerun!

5. STEAK AND BARBECUE

Virtually every city/region in the United States believes that their barbecue and/or steak is the greatest. Memphis, Kansas City, Texas, Alabama, Nebraska. Just ask ’em!

Maybe this week is the time to indulge in all foods American. If so, it might be the best week of your life!!! 🙂

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.