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!

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.

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.