Steak Enthusiast

It’s hot and it’s time to cook some hot dogs on the grill!

All beef hot dogs are an All-American treat and now’s the time to try out some new hot dog recipes.

So how do you make a hot dog stand out?

Why, hot dog toppings, of course!

How do you spruce up a hot dog with toppings?

First, there are the go-to toppings like sauerkraut, chili, cheese, chili cheese, relish, ketchup, mustard and the like.

But how about some unusual toppings like bacon or corn chips or chocolate sauce?

Yes, chocolate sauce!

Anchovies, pineapple and chicken are other noteworthy toppings that just might make you smile.

Or how about sausage, ground beef, barbecue sauce or crushed tortilla chips?

Hey, I didn’t say they were going to be gourmet items, did I?

Vegetables are a good option to try to bring some crunch into the mix. Try cucumbers, shaved carrots or shredded lettuce for some variety.

What are some hot dog toppings YOU might try? Let me know!

What are the most popular steaks?

Depends on who you ask.

There are all types of steak rankings, but American food expert John Mitzewich puts them in this order:

1. Ribeye
2. Kansas City Strip Steak
3. Filet Mignon
4. T-bone Steak
5. Porterhouse Steak
6. Flank Steak
7. Top Sirloin Steak

And no matter what order you rank them in, it’s pretty likely each one of these cuts will make the list.

My favorite has always been the ribeye for its extremely flavorful taste. Bone-in or out, it’s a winner in my book.

Filet mignon seems to be popular with the ladies. It’s delicate, tender and if you buy the right quality you can cut it with a fork. It’s the #1 customer favorite at The Kansas City Steak Company – so much so that they’ve designated August as Filet Mignon Month.

KC strips are perfect for grilling, along with T-bones and Porterhouse. And Top Sirloin is the way to go when you’re making steak sandwiches.

Flank steak is delicious for Mexican dishes like fajitas, tacos and more.

So what are the steaks that are most popular with YOU? Because, really, the best cut of steak is the one you enjoy.

A kabob, when you get right down to it, is grilled steak on a stick.

It’s bite-sized and easy to eat. And who wouldn’t want a steak that’s easy to eat? That sounds like paradise to me.

If you follow these grilling steak tips, you’ll have perfect steaks for kabobs.

But if you REALLY want perfect kabob meat, try these beef tenderloin tips.

They’re juicy and cut perfectly for kabob making. To me, they’re the best cut of steak for a kabob.

Then, customize YOUR kabob with fruits and vegetables that speak to you.

Yes, fruit!

Ever put pineapple on a kabob?

Delish!

How about peaches, plantains or apples?

Yes, it can be done! And it’s delicious!

Don’t forget about the all-important red and green peppers, onions and tomatoes, too. Not only do they flavor your kabob spectacularly, but they make a gorgeous presentation!

Have fun being creative and build a kabob that suits YOU. There really are no rules except that what foods you select must stay on the skewer.

Applesauce? Not so much.

Enjoy some kabobs this weekend – just the way you like them!