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.

One of the greatest things about beautiful weather is the ability to have COOKOUTS!

Next time you’re grilling up hot dogs, try a Cookout Condiment Bar to make it even more special.

Really make it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. It’s the secret all great restaurants know. 🙂

Separate all condiments into stainless steel or clear bowls – out of their original jars and squeeze bottles. Supply each bowl with an appropriately-sized serving spoon and line them up, preferably in a covered, shaded area.

Be sure to include all the traditional items like relish, mustard, ketchup, maybe onions, sauerkraut, and chili.

But why not add some non-traditional choices as well? Try including avocado, tomatoes, spicy condiments like sriracha, and then throw in a unique twist like sliced lemons. Have you ever squeezed lemon juice onto your hot dog? Try it! You might love it!

Have fun thinking up wild condiments that not only add flavor to your hot dogs, but color as well. A beautiful plate makes it taste that much better.

Be sure to start with all beef hot dogs (my must-have) and have fun with your own Cookout Condiment Bar!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

You consider yourself a grillmaster. You have immediately earned my respect and admiration.

But as a grillmaster do you have all of the important tools of the trade? Do you have grilling tools for different meats?

Let me explain.

STEAK

It’s heavy and needs to be flipped without steak juices escaping all over the place. A SPATULA is the tool you need at grillside for this delicious dish.

STEAKBURGERS

Lighter than steak, but still substantial, burgers need proper flipping as well. But these babies require a SMALL SIZE SPATULA just large enough for the patty.

HOT DOGS

Hot dogs have a distinctive shape and require a tool to match. TONGS are your best bet for turning and grilling these to perfection.

BONELESS CHICKEN BREASTS

Yum! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a favorite around our house as well. Use a PRONGED FORK to do right by this healthy meat.

SALMON

Seafood, especially salmon, is very delicate so it requires extra care and attention. Use ALUMINUM FOIL to wrap this meat before placing it on the grill. It’ll help it cook evenly and keep it all in one piece!

Now that you know all the tools of the trade, make sure you’re locked and loaded for grilling season. The right tool makes all the difference!

Photos courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.