What are all holidays made for?

Food! That’s what!

And this Labor Day is no different. We’ve got one last summerish hurrah coming up and I intend to do it up right. I know you do, too!

Let’s get in those Labor Day favorites before the crispness of fall sets in…

We’ll start with burgers. I mean, heck, it’s not Labor Day without burgers!

Steaks are a must as well. Is the grill going? Then steaks must be on it!

Throw in some ribs, too. They’re a traditional Labor Day favorite at our house. We’re outside so it’s okay to lick our fingers, right?

Now sides are very important at this soiree. There are plenty of side dish recipes to choose from.

These delicious deviled eggs must make an appearance. Everyone will literally eat them up! Get the recipe here.

BBQ baked beans? Yes, please! These go with everything – and they’ll go fast. Try this fantastic recipe.

Feeding a big crowd? This potato salad recipe will please ’em all. And check out more recipes here whether you want to go fancy or simple and traditional. There’s something right up your alley!

Have a great Labor Day feast, my friends! And send summer out with a bang!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

A glamorous camping experience?

Sure, why not!

Glamping can be fun! You just have to bring the correct gear to do it up right.

Whether or not you “rough it” in an air-conditioned tent is up to you, but the meals? Well, those should be top-notch.

A cooler filled with caviar and crackers makes for a great appetizer. So do these jumbo shrimp – just grill ’em over the coals!

And while you’re eating your caviar and shrimp (and sipping on something bubbly) you can watch some beautiful, thick-cut filet mignon as it sizzles over the fire. Nothing like the smell of a juicy, tender steak grilling to create some serious anticipation.

Your filet will go well with some sweet potatoes in a butter rum glaze that you wrap in foil and heat over those same coals. Roughing it? Sure!

Then, as a grand finale, whip out some molten chocolate cakes from the cooler and heat them gently over the coals so the chocolate oozes just the right amount. Delicious!

Ahhhhh, “back to nature” may have a whole new meaning after this glamping excursion. But I bet it’ll be the camping trip you remember most fondly for the rest of your lives!!!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Campfire cooking this summer?

You lucky duck!

It’s fun and totally “back to nature” BUT, you’ve gotta follow some ground rules to make sure it all goes smoothly.

Here are some helpful tips for successful campfire cooking:

1. You could do stick-related meals like hot dogs and bacon-wrapped goodies (see above). Those are always tasty and fun. Just pay attention because they can burn quickly!
2. A yummy culinary trick is to wrap meat (fish, chicken) in wild leaves and tie it up with twine to give it an authentic flavor. You can cook it right above the coals and you’ll have a tender, deliciously flavored meal.
3. Repurpose the things you brought with you when cooking. Use a Frisbee as a chopping board or even as a plate. Hey, we’re outside, it’s not pristine, people.
4. Be sure to clean up after yourself before you leave. Camping etiquette requires us all to not leave cups, forks, napkins all over the ground. When you’re done it’s someone else’s turn to enjoy the great outdoors!