I’m a summer gal. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

I like the sun on my face and being outside. Eating.

But winter weather isn’t very conducive to patio meals. And since Punxsutawney Phil said we’ve got 6 more weeks of it, I’ve got to get creative.

I’ve just GOT to beat these winter blues.

So… I like to cook meals in the winter that remind me of summer. Hey, there’s no rule that says I can’t have a light strip steak salad with strawberries in the winter.

Or, perhaps, just grill up some ribeyes on the old barbecue and serve them with drinks with little umbrellas in them.

Steaks make me happy any time of year, but they REALLY bring to mind weekends spent outdoors, enjoying the weather and slowly grilling.

So I’m going to recall those glorious days this weekend with a grilled steak on my plate and memories of the sun in my head.

I’ll just do it indoors.

How about you? What are your favorite meal ideas for beating the winter blues?

Wanna tailgate? Make it fun and create a theme!

Here’s one of my faves: Kansas City Style Tailgating.

What does that mean? All food is – what else? – KC style!

Start with some Kansas City strip steaks (seasoned with a Kansas City rub).

Or, perhaps some KC cheesesteaks. What makes these different than Philly cheesesteaks, you ask? Well, they’re from Kansas City, of course!

Add some pit beans – Kansas City style – and you’ve got a rootin’ tootin’ KC-themed tailgate party.

Have a blast playing off this theme and create your own to play with.

It’s tailgate season, friends, let’s do it up right!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Are you a heavy-duty tailgater?

Then you probably have this tailgating thing down!

For the rest of us non-professionals, some tailgating hacks might be useful before heading out to cheer on your team – and eat like a champ!

Tip #1 – Prepare as much food as you can beforehand. You don’t want to spend ALL your tailgate time working away over a hot propane stove.

Tip #2 – Keep it simple. Do you really want a four-course meal with dijonnaise sauce and delicate fritters? No! You’re out in a parking lot for goodness’ sake. Try brisket. Ribs. Burgers. Steak. Bite-sized appetizers.

Tip #3 – Never, ever run out of food. We don’t want a brawl on our hands. Those fans get hungry!

Tip #4 – Since you will be following tip #3, make sure to bring a cooler specifically for leftovers. Tailgate food is great even the next day! But you have to store it properly so it will keep.

Tip #5 – Don’t make it so complicated that you won’t have time to have fun yourself. Try sides – and even meals – you can just heat and eat.

Have fun cheering on your team at your next tailgate party. And eat a rib for me!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.