The kids are back in school and the schedules and time crunch is back!

We need meals that are nourishing and delicious, but also hassle-free. That’s why I LOVE these easy back-to-school night meals. You literally heat, then serve them!

Here are 5 easy ways to make weeknight dinnertime a wonderful experience:

1. Brisket with twice-baked potatoes. The meat is already sliced and sauced. Put it in the oven (the potatoes, too) and voila!
2. Hickory-smoked ham and mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms. Delicious and different. This meal is a hit!
3. Chicken Spiedini. A new twist on a mealtime favorite – chicken! This Italian dish is so savory your family will devour it. Serve with your favorite noodles.
4. Cold Water Lobster Tails. Did they ace the test? Break out this seafood favorite! You can grill, bake or boil them. Whichever way you choose, it’s simple! Try with creamed spinach.
5. Beef Wellington. Put it in the oven and you have a gourmet meal that is rich and flavorful. Green beans in a mushroom cream sauce are an excellent accompaniment!

May all your school nights be stress free – or at least the ones when you take it easy on yourself and serve these meals!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

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.