The number one rule of grilling a steak is don’t overcook it. It’s got to taste good or else what’s the point?

But the number two rule?

Make it pretty.

Presentation is a very, very close second to taste. If it doesn’t LOOK appetizing it simply won’t taste good.

And as far as steaks are concerned, grill marks are of utmost importance. So we’ve got to spend some time making sure they’re absolutely gorgeous.

Now, you could just go for the horizontal look (see above) and just give your steak a good diagonal placement across the grill, then flip and create the same effect on the other side.

That’s beautiful, but many chefs prefer this method as described in this “Top 10 Steak Grilling Tips” list compiled by a true chef:

“Use the hot grill to create ‘cross-hatch’ grill marks. Set your steak down at a 45-degree angle from your grill lines. About a quarter of the way through cooking, give it a quarter turn. Half-way through cooking, flip it once. Give it a final quarter turn for the last bit of cooking. When finished you should have a steak that looks like it belongs on a commercial. This might not be the most important thing in your day, but if you’re on a first date or trying to impress then try this!”

And I totally agree. If you’re gonna do it, do it right! Don’t haphazardly flip your steak twelve times. You’ll have crazy lines that have NO uniformity. And what’s the fun in that?

Have a blast perfecting your grill mark technique the next time you’re at the grill and check out that Top 10 list here for other great steak grilling tips!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

We’re all out there grilling up a storm. After all, it’s summertime!

Delicious beef is a given, but what else are you complementing it with? We’ve got to take advantage of summery favorites at this time of year – things like summer squash, zucchini and corn on the cob.

To die for.

When putting these delicate veggies on the grill, we’ve got to be careful to treat them just right. For instance, cutting the SQUASH into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick horizontal slices will ensure they don’t fall through the grill. Start them off in a pan with olive oil, garlic cloves and salt and pepper. Then finish them off on the grill – about 5-10 minutes per side until they’re YOUR desired tenderness. Be sure to brush them occasionally with the oil mixture for great flavor.

On the ZUCCHINI, this recipe is a must for perfection every time:

For great CORN ON THE COB, remove husks and silk, rinse with cold water and wrap in foil. Place on the grill for about 15-20 minutes until tender, turning occasionally. Create a butter mixture to your taste – add garlic, salt and pepper, Parmesan cheese, parsley – whatever your fancy. Then spread liberally on each ear of corn after grilling. YUM!

And then try these VEGGIE KABOBS…

With these tips and recipes at your fingertips, you CANNOT go wrong at the grillside this summer! Enjoy!

Photo and recipes courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

It’s COOKOUT time of year!!!

You want to invite the whole gang over to beat the heat and share some good, grilled grub.

With a little planning, your cookout can be the Greatest Cookout of All Time. And everyone – including you – will have lots of fun.

How does this happen? Follow this simple checklist for a fantastic cookout!

1. INVITATIONS

You can obviously just verbally invite folks over but if you do that you don’t have a concrete RSVP list. And that makes food and supplies hard to judge. My advice is good, old-fashioned invitations in the mailbox. Guests can RSVP by e-mail, but go all out and send ’em some paper!

2. MENU PLANNING

Think about the number of people who’ll be there, but also WHO will be there. Does everyone like filets? Burgers? Chicken? Seafood? Make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy. And load up on sides and desserts, too, like gourmet mac ‘n cheese and red velvet cake. Check out these recipes for inspiration. Hey, variety is the spice of life!

3. DRINKS

Don’t forget to quench their thirst! Make sure if you’re going to have alcoholic drinks, you also have non-alcoholic drinks. And have lots of water on hand. It’s hot out there!

4. DECORATIONS

You can really give your cookout a special feel if you decorate just for the occasion. Go Hawaiian or decorate with a down-home Southern twist. Really make it special!

5. ENTERTAINMENT

This can be as simple as setting out a game of horseshoes or croquet to play while the food is grilling. Or, even designating a DJ. Just give ’em something to focus on before, during and after the food makes its grand entrance!

If you plan it all out ahead of time, you can just go with the flow and enjoy your friends and family at your cookout. And THAT is what summer’s all about!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.