Wanna tailgate? Make it fun and create a theme!

Here’s one of my faves: Kansas City Style Tailgating.

What does that mean? All food is – what else? – KC style!

Start with some Kansas City strip steaks (seasoned with a Kansas City rub).

Or, perhaps some KC cheesesteaks. What makes these different than Philly cheesesteaks, you ask? Well, they’re from Kansas City, of course!

Add some pit beans – Kansas City style – and you’ve got a rootin’ tootin’ KC-themed tailgate party.

Have a blast playing off this theme and create your own to play with.

It’s tailgate season, friends, let’s do it up right!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Following your team around the country?

Well, even if you’re just doing it on the TV, you can pretend you’re there by tailgating with delicious dishes from the opposing team’s hometown!

A “Tailgating Across America,” if you will.

Playing a Philadelphia area team? Whoop it up with some hunger-busting Philly cheesesteaks!

New York bound? Gotta sample a NY hot dog, of course!

Midwest beef is primo, so don’t miss out on a perfectly grilled KC strip steak when tailgating in Kansas City or surrounding areas. Even if you’re “tailgating” in your living room.

Have fun playing with the various foodie themes in this tailgating trek around the U.S. Just don’t forget the napkins.

I can see you drooling already! 🙂

USA! USA!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Oh, how I love to play around on the grill in the summertime!

You just WANT to be outside and fill the air with the smell of something delicious grilling.

Here’s a wonderful recipe to perfect this summer. It’s so refreshing with lime juice and cilantro – Grilled KC Strip with Black Bean Sauce. Delicious!

Grilled Strip with Black Bean Sauce

Ingredients:
4 (8oz.) Kansas City Strips
1 cup black beans, canned or cooked
1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
2 tbsp. lime juice
1 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp. onion, minced
1 tsp. garlic, minced
1 tsp. cumin, ground
1/4 cup water or stock
salt and pepper

Directions: In a small sauce pan, sweat the onion and jalapeno if using. Add the garlic and cook another twenty seconds. Add beans, cumin and half of the lime juice and stir. Add the water and blend with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth. Season to taste and keep warm.Grill your Kansas City Strips steak until medium, about four minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest for five minutes. Slice the steak on a diagonal and season the slices with the lime juice and salt and pepper. Plate on top of the sauce. This is a great sauce since it has absolutely no fat. You can add some butter in the blender to make it a little creamier but if not it is a great, healthy accompaniment.

Try it out this summer!