Labor Day is upon us!

That much-anticipated day that signals the end of summer, beginning of fall festivities (football! leaves falling! sweater weather!) and a much-needed day of rest. Rest from the workaday world and all its pressures and responsibilities.

Yes, some of us still have to work on this day, (the world can’t come to a complete stop, unfortunately) but hopefully we can ALL find a little time to cook up something delicious this Labor Day. This day calls for it. Begs for it.

So are you looking for some last-minute food ideas for this foodie holiday? Well, let me share my favorite one with you…

Steaks ALWAYS save the day!

Ribeye! Filet mignon! Top sirloin! T-bone! Porterhouse!

Take your pick and you can’t go wrong. (Or include them all.)

Season those steaks up with some tasty seasoning, a juicy marinade or just simple salt and pepper for amazing flavor. Follow these excellent grilling tips and you’ll have something truly special for your Labor Day feast.

Make it a sensory delight – add some color like red tomatoes in a green salad, some beautiful yellow creamed corn or sprinkle some blue cheese on top of your juicy steak. That’ll make your eyes go crazy. Crazy good, that is.

And we KNOW you’ve got taste and smell covered. The grill and your masterful grilling take care of that! Plus, the sound of the beef sizzling will add to the ambiance. And touch? Your steaks will be so tender when you cut into them you’ll be overwhelmed by the experience.

Sounds like a great Labor Day meal to me! I’m getting hungry.

Time for me to get my steaks going and feed this ravenous crowd that has gathered in my backyard. I hope you’ll join me – tell me what you’re cooking on this beautiful day!

Planning a Labor Day blowout?

Friends and family by the pool or on the patio, relaxing in the late summer sun, taking in what’s one of the last remnants of beautiful, wonderful summer.

Ahhhhh…

Of course, the smell of the grill going is the TRUE life of the party. It provides ambiance and makes sure your guests’ FIVE senses are all engaged. Plus, you know your stuff and that’s why everybody is at your place, right?

Ribeyes, filets, steaks of all kinds are sizzling. You’ve got a cut that’ll please everyone on the grill whether they like ‘em hearty and meaty like a Kansas City strip steak or a sirloin or whether they like them fork-tender and delicate ala the exquisite filet mignon.

That’s a given. But what else are you going to prepare?

For me, burgers are a must. Everyone likes them and those babies, along with all-beef hot dogs always satisfy the kids. They’re easy to eat with your hands and, hey, we’re outside so that’s cool with Mom and Dad.

So how about some BBQ ribs and brisket? This party screams for barbecue. Eating it outdoors just adds to the enjoyment. Something about BBQ on the patio just feels right.

And sides?

Well, a delicious potato salad goes with everything. Pasta salad, too.

And, yes, an ACTUAL salad with all the fresh veggies of summer. It’s your last chance before they’re gone.

Speaking of veggies, scrumptious creamed corn and grilled asparagus are always crowd pleasers. As are baked potatoes and then some fresh fruit. Ya gotta have fresh fruit. It’s an appetizer, side AND dessert!

Did somebody say dessert? My vote is for red velvet cake. Or a nice cheesecake. Yes! Lots of choices make this a party for the ages.

Need some more Labor Day menu inspiration? Check out these mouth-watering recipes. You’re sure to find something that strikes your fancy.

So let’s do up Labor Day right! It’s the perfect ending to our dear summer and a nice welcome to a fall filled with more delicious food.

Wanna take the “labor” out of your Labor Day grilling?

Try these grilling and pairing tips to make your Labor Day grilling runs smoothly!

1. Check out these “Top 10 Steak Grilling Tips” from a real-live chef. Advice like “season early” seems simple enough, but if it’s skipped it could lead to some sad steaks.
2. Sometimes seeing is believing. Watch these videos for step-by-step instructions for your specific meal. Whether you’re grilling a ribeye, a Chateaubriand or going all out with some Wagyu Kobe beef, you’re covered with these grilling videos.
3. Brush up on your how to thaw steak. Should you leave your frozen meat out in the hot sun to get it ready for the grill? Find out here!
4. Need some recipe inspiration for your Labor Day grilling extravaganza? You’re sure to find something you’ll want to try in this list of amazing recipes.
5. Find the perfect wine to go with your grilled perfection with this wine pairing chart. I like charts ’cause they do all the hard work for me!
6. Wanna know how long to grill a steak on each side for that perfect taste? Well, speaking of grilling charts, we’ve got one for that!
7. And not only do we have a chart for that, we’ve got a grilling app for the perfect steak, too!
8. Now you’re all set to hit it out of the park (or at least onto the grill) this Labor Day!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.