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?

The folklore goes that in 1922, a restaurateur in Arizona accidentally dropped a pastry into the deep fryer and exclaimed, “Chimichanga!”

That’s Spanish for thingamajig.

Fill it with some sour cream, cheese and beef and you’ve got yourself today’s version of the chimichanga.

Now, since Sunday’s big game is being played in Arizona, it only feels right to honor that venue by serving up some beef chimichangas while you watch!

Check out this incredible beef chimichanga recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/beef-chimichangas/

Many versions of this recipe call for ground beef like you’d find in steakburgers, but you can experiment and use shredded Wagyu beef or any cut of shredded steak you love.

Have fun with your chimichangas and the big game this weekend! I know I will!

We’re gearing up for the ultimate professional football game this weekend. And we’ve got to fuel up with some incredible tailgate foods.

After all, what good is watching a game without something delicious to eat?

Here are my TOP 10 TAILGATE FOODS to give you some inspiration!

1. Steakburgers
2. Baby Back Ribs
3. Brisket
4. All-Beef Hot Dogs
5. Steaks
6. Tenderloin Tips in Kabobs
7. Steak Sandwiches
8. Bacon and Cheddar Sliders
9. BBQ Beef Burnt Ends
10. Skirt Steak Fajitas

What’s your personal list of favorite tailgate foods?