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.

The number one rule of grilling a steak is don’t overcook it. It’s got to taste good or else what’s the point?

But the number two rule?

Make it pretty.

Presentation is a very, very close second to taste. If it doesn’t LOOK appetizing it simply won’t taste good.

And as far as steaks are concerned, grill marks are of utmost importance. So we’ve got to spend some time making sure they’re absolutely gorgeous.

Now, you could just go for the horizontal look (see above) and just give your steak a good diagonal placement across the grill, then flip and create the same effect on the other side.

That’s beautiful, but many chefs prefer this method as described in this “Top 10 Steak Grilling Tips” list compiled by a true chef:

“Use the hot grill to create ‘cross-hatch’ grill marks. Set your steak down at a 45-degree angle from your grill lines. About a quarter of the way through cooking, give it a quarter turn. Half-way through cooking, flip it once. Give it a final quarter turn for the last bit of cooking. When finished you should have a steak that looks like it belongs on a commercial. This might not be the most important thing in your day, but if you’re on a first date or trying to impress then try this!”

And I totally agree. If you’re gonna do it, do it right! Don’t haphazardly flip your steak twelve times. You’ll have crazy lines that have NO uniformity. And what’s the fun in that?

Have a blast perfecting your grill mark technique the next time you’re at the grill and check out that Top 10 list here for other great steak grilling tips!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

We’re all out there grilling up a storm. After all, it’s summertime!

Delicious beef is a given, but what else are you complementing it with? We’ve got to take advantage of summery favorites at this time of year – things like summer squash, zucchini and corn on the cob.

To die for.

When putting these delicate veggies on the grill, we’ve got to be careful to treat them just right. For instance, cutting the SQUASH into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick horizontal slices will ensure they don’t fall through the grill. Start them off in a pan with olive oil, garlic cloves and salt and pepper. Then finish them off on the grill – about 5-10 minutes per side until they’re YOUR desired tenderness. Be sure to brush them occasionally with the oil mixture for great flavor.

On the ZUCCHINI, this recipe is a must for perfection every time:

For great CORN ON THE COB, remove husks and silk, rinse with cold water and wrap in foil. Place on the grill for about 15-20 minutes until tender, turning occasionally. Create a butter mixture to your taste – add garlic, salt and pepper, Parmesan cheese, parsley – whatever your fancy. Then spread liberally on each ear of corn after grilling. YUM!

And then try these VEGGIE KABOBS…

With these tips and recipes at your fingertips, you CANNOT go wrong at the grillside this summer! Enjoy!

Photo and recipes courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.