I’m a steak lover. An enthusiast, if you will.

And I love great steaks. They make my world sunnier, my senses keener and, frankly, my day better.

I DON’T like steaks that merely pass for steak, though. Tough meat. Yuck. No juice or flavor. Ick.

That’s just sad. And so not worth it. That’s really just a tease.

So when I eat a steak there is no debating – USDA Prime vs. Choice. I choose USDA Prime every time.

Why?

It’s not a matter of snobbery. Although it could be perceived that way. Because…

USDA Prime is only actually qualified to have that moniker if it’s the top 1-2% of beef available. It’s the top grade that the USDA bestows upon a steak. This grade has the most amount of marbling – the fat running through the beef – that gives it extraordinary flavor and buttery texture. USDA Prime is the highest quality.

In a word – exquisite.

That’s why there is no question for me. If I’m eating steak I want it to be a great experience. Or else, what’s the point?

Look, I don’t eat steak every day. I wish I did. But I don’t. So when I do I want it to be special. Even if I’m eating with a crowd. So I go for USDA Prime when it’s my grill.

But hey, when I’m a guest I can’t always control that. Unless I offer to bring my own steaks. Which I always do.

It’s not rude – it’s “helpful.” People actually love it when you pitch in.

So next time it’s BYOS – Bring Your Own Steaks – remember to treat yourself right and go for the USDA Prime steaks. It’ll be a great memory instead of just a so-so memory.

You can thank me later!

Will you be cooking for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day?

You really should. In fact, I must insist you cook for your sweetie. It’s very romantic, and with the right Valentine’s Day recipes you’ll hit a homerun!

Don’t go to a restaurant with long lines and impersonal service, parking issues, and specials that run out before you get there. That’s sad.

No, cook it yourself! You can do this! It’s so thoughtful!

I mean, who could resist a mouth-watering meal that’s prepared especially for them? Now, THAT’S love.

But don’t get stressed out about it. I’m going to help you and you’re going to be just fine.

Okay, we all know the way to MY heart is through steak recipes. So, I’ll be sharing some of those Valentine’s Day recipes with you to get the ball rolling. But just make your Valentine’s Day dinner specific to your love and you’ll be golden!

First, you could whip up a delicious filet mignon with this Filet with Avocado Buerre Blanc recipe. White wine? Yes! Avocado? Yes! It’s even got instructions on how to make those beautiful cross-hatch marks on your filet mignon. Presentation is everything and this one has got it all! With directions, even.

How about a ribeye to celebrate your love? This “Tangy & Sweet” Ribeyes in a Pomegranate and Wine Marinade recipe is so impressive. Notice the wine again? It is Valentine’s Day, after all!

You’re going to need a side dish or two to go with your lovely steaks. How about Asparagus with Toasted Hazelnuts? It’s elegant and a nice complement to your steaks. Then, prepare this yummy recipe for Cheese Bread and you will really make it a meal. Perfect.

But definitely choose something that your Valentine will eat. There’s nothing worse than watching someone pick uncomfortably at their food. Especially when you lovingly prepared it!

Whatever you cook this Valentine’s Day, make it special. Your sweetie will appreciate your effort!

Are you thinking about how you will celebrate the one you love?

This time of year brings anxiety to lovebirds everywhere. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Valentine’s Day is about love, remember? That should be a positive thing. Not something that brings a lot of pressure and fear.

But there are a few no-nos that we all might want to heed if we want a successful Valentine’s Day. Like…

Don’t give them candy. Don’t make them a papier-mâché pig with wings and little hearts on it (unless you’re five years old). DON’T DVR their favorite show and say, “Here you go.”

Okay, that last one might have hit a little too close to home. It’s too painful. I don’t want to talk about it.

No, I’ve got a list of FIVE GIFTS BETTER THAN CANDY for you this Valentine’s Day. Sugary sweets are nice, but this holiday requires a little more thought. Are you ready?

1. Filet mignon. It’s tender – like your love. Cook it up for your sweetie and you’ll be number one in his/her heart.

2. Need something a little more “meaty?” A T-bone steak or Porterhouse steak should do the trick. Your love will be impressed with your thoughtfulness.

3. A new car. Hey, I didn’t say this list was practical. Just better than candy.

4. Good, old-fashioned flowers. I LOVE flowers so this one’s personal. They brighten my day and show me that my hubby is listening to me when I say, “I like flowers.”

5. Your time. Really pay attention to your sweetie, give a back rub, reconnect. That’s better than candy any day.

Still stumped? Just make it personalized to your special someone. Any gift that shows you KNOW them and you care enough to dig deep will be a winner.

Happy Valentine’s Day!