One of the greatest things about beautiful weather is the ability to have COOKOUTS!

Next time you’re grilling up hot dogs, try a Cookout Condiment Bar to make it even more special.

Really make it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. It’s the secret all great restaurants know. 🙂

Separate all condiments into stainless steel or clear bowls – out of their original jars and squeeze bottles. Supply each bowl with an appropriately-sized serving spoon and line them up, preferably in a covered, shaded area.

Be sure to include all the traditional items like relish, mustard, ketchup, maybe onions, sauerkraut, and chili.

But why not add some non-traditional choices as well? Try including avocado, tomatoes, spicy condiments like sriracha, and then throw in a unique twist like sliced lemons. Have you ever squeezed lemon juice onto your hot dog? Try it! You might love it!

Have fun thinking up wild condiments that not only add flavor to your hot dogs, but color as well. A beautiful plate makes it taste that much better.

Be sure to start with all beef hot dogs (my must-have) and have fun with your own Cookout Condiment Bar!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

It’s time to start thinking of fun things to serve on the most patriotic of holidays – the 4th of July!

Try these USA-inspired meal ideas and whoop it up this Independence Day!

BLEU CHEESE BURGERS

Color is of utmost importance with your 4th of July presentation. So try some colorful burgers with white onion, ketchup/tomato and a sprinkle of bleu cheese. You may have to hunt to see the blue – but, hey, that’s half the fun!

LAYERED PATRIOTIC DRINKS

For a fun red, white and blue-colored drink, start with ice cubes that will appear white, pour cranberry juice on the bottom of a clear glass or cup, then add blue G2 Gatorade on top. You’ll have patriotism in a glass!

DELICIOUS FLAG CAKE

Chef Ina Garten’s gorgeous flag cake (seen above) features all of the beautiful colors of the American flag. What better way to show your appreciation for our country? Click here to see the recipe and ingredient list for this beauty.

Then, have fun coming up with your own ideas using the red, white and blue theme. Get the kids involved, too. It’s more fun that way! Happy almost 4th, everybody!

Photo courtesy of FoodNetwork.com.

Summer is burger time. And with that comes the age-old question — What shall I put on my burger?

Some folks have their tried-and-true favorite steakburger toppings and they stick with that. Every time.

Mustard, lettuce, cheese.

Others get adventurous and try something different every once in a while.

Sriracha. Avocado. Maybe some Tabasco and bacon.

Possibly something like the BBQ Bacon Steakburger seen above.

Delicious!

But whatever you choose to top your burger with, it’s a very personal decision. Let no one force you into the same little box every time. Branch out! Do your own thing with your burger!

So next time you’re ready for a new burger experience, here’s a couple of fun burger recipes to try that definitely do not smack of the ordinary. Enjoy!