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!

Ahhh, amore! That most coveted of holidays where we celebrate L-O-V-E is almost upon us. February 14^th is coming up! Are you ready?

Now, some people adore Valentine’s Day and some, well, they aren’t fans. I get it. We all see things from our own perspective. But the day isn’t just about a Romeo and Juliet kind of love in my mind. There are all kinds of love.

Truly, you don’t have to be a part of a traditional couple to appreciate Valentine’s Day. To me, this holiday celebrates love in all forms. And that’s something we ALL need.

Have a love interest this February? Create a romantic dinner at home! Want to show your kids, your grandma – anyone – they’re special? Cook them a meal they’ll love!

Don’t go out to a restaurant where you’ll have to fight with hordes of people in the parking lot, in the waiting area, in the dining area. Make a nice dinner on your own turf. And on your own terms. It’s more meaningful that way.

YOU pick the music, the setting, the theme. And have fun!

Is filet mignon their favorite steak? Pair it with some delicious Twice Baked Potatoes and you have a dinner that will make anyone feel special. Taking the time to prepare a meal that fills the belly AND the soul sends a message they won’t forget.

How about a beautiful meal of Beef Wellington? It’s still cold out, and this tender beef surrounded by a flaky, delicate crust is such a satisfying dinner. It’ll warm ‘em up from the inside out!

Think about what THEY might like and what food would make them happy. Then just go with it.

Enjoy making someone feel that they mean something to you by preparing them a romantic dinner at home this Valentine’s Day and YOU’LL be blessed too!

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!