‘Tis the season — grilling season!

Summer is the most glorious time to fire it up and tend to some beautiful cuts of meat.

BUT, it can be not so pleasurable if you don’t know what you’re doing.

If you’re a newbie or just need a little refresher, here’s a quick Grilling 101 course for your summertime enjoyment…

1. Selecting the best cut for the job depends on what you’re going for. Meaty and hearty or buttery tender? Make your cut decision after perusing this lesson on steak cuts and you won’t go wrong.
2. Season it early. Don’t just throw a piece of meat on the grill naked. The art of seasoning is important. Read about its artistry and other steak grilling tips from a chef here.
3. Searing your steak is very important. But don’t just take it from me. Check out these steak grilling videos from the experts.

After you’ve read these lessons and watched the videos, you should ace the true test — grilling a steak that passes with flying colors!

National Filet Mignon Day – The day we celebrate the tender, succulent filet mignon.

Why isn’t there a filet mignon MONTH or YEAR? Just asking.

To honor this day properly we’ve just gotta cook some fabulous filet mignon meals. These recipes for Filet Mignon should help us do just that.

And these are my five suggestions for this BIG day:

1. Filet Poele – using a butter braising technique, this one is so, so flavorful!
2. Grilled Filet with Avocado Beurre Blanc – a beautiful sauce accompaniment.
3. Spice Rubbed Filet – you know, to spice it up a bit!
4. Steak Tartare – looking to walk on the wild side? This is a no-cook option!
5. Thai Firecracker Filet – goes great with Oriental cole slaw!

Too bad this day doesn’t come around every week. I could go on and on!!!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

When I think of Sunday dinner ideas, images (and aromas) of slow-cooked homestyle meals come to mind.

Roast…meatloaf. Meals that say “home” to me.

What will you be cooking this Sunday?

Sometimes I WANT a meal that takes time to prepare, but I simply don’t have the time. Or I just want to spend Sunday with my family instead of in the kitchen. On those days, these Heat & Serve Gourmet meals are ideal. Everything from Beef Wellington and twice-baked potatoes to brisket to lobster tails and salmon.

Literally, you just put them in the oven and serve them. Even I can do that.

Want to spend some time preparing a home-cooked meal from scratch this Sunday? There’s a plethora of great recipes to try. May I suggest a gorgeous Chateaubriand?

Enjoy your Sunday dinner this weekend – however you plan to spend it!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.