‘Tis the season to have a cookout in the parking lot! Baseball season, that is!

And to have a successful tailgating experience, you’ve gotta have a plan. So here’s mine…

THINK AHEAD

How many people will be joining you? After you figure that number, add 10. Making friends with other tailgaters is the norm, not the exception. So bring enough plates, napkins, utensils, condiments, drinks, food and fun for that many. Hey, leftovers are always welcome. Oh, and bring a cooler just for leftovers.

THINK COMPACT

Bring a portable grill (think camping style) for your chef. Plus grill supplies. Nothing that needs plugging in, unless you have a generator or other power source.

MAKE A MENU

Go with tried and true favorites – burgers, hot dogs, buns, chips, drinks and condiments. Anything unusual at a tailgate party and you might not have takers. Then what will they eat? And don’t forget dessert!

GET COMFORTABLE

Bring lots of folding chairs and at least one table. You’ve got to have a place to set all this stuff! Make it inviting for folks to hang around and talk about your favorite team. A tent to shade your group from the sun is also a great idea. Your relish and mayonnaise will thank you, too.

HAVE FUN!

Make lasting memories with your friends and family – all while eating your favorite foods! It’s a WIN/WIN!

Photos courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Summertime’s baseball time! And one BIG reason we like to go to the ball park? Why, the food, of course!

Bring the excitement of the ball park home with a ball park inspired menu and it’ll be a home run for sure!

Start with …

HOT DOGS

I mean, how can you not start there? Hot dogs, franks, frankfurters – whatever you want to call them – make sure to have lots of condiments – sauerkraut, relish, mustard, the works! Just make sure it’s Kansas City beef for the best taste.

Then offer …

BURGERS

Hot dogs and burgers just go together. And at the ball park, you ALWAYS get a choice.

Then make sure to have …

BEER-BATTERED ONION RINGS

Absolute perfection. And they go with everything. Try this recipe for killer rings!

And finish up with …

GRAND SLAM CUPCAKES

Cupcakes in the spirit of baseballs with licorice laces. Adorable and delicious. Get the recipe here.

Have fun creating your own customized menu and bring the ball park to your house!

It’s time to start thinking of fun things to serve on the most patriotic of holidays – the 4th of July!

Try these USA-inspired meal ideas and whoop it up this Independence Day!

BLEU CHEESE BURGERS

Color is of utmost importance with your 4th of July presentation. So try some colorful burgers with white onion, ketchup/tomato and a sprinkle of bleu cheese. You may have to hunt to see the blue – but, hey, that’s half the fun!

LAYERED PATRIOTIC DRINKS

For a fun red, white and blue-colored drink, start with ice cubes that will appear white, pour cranberry juice on the bottom of a clear glass or cup, then add blue G2 Gatorade on top. You’ll have patriotism in a glass!

DELICIOUS FLAG CAKE

Chef Ina Garten’s gorgeous flag cake (seen above) features all of the beautiful colors of the American flag. What better way to show your appreciation for our country? Click here to see the recipe and ingredient list for this beauty.

Then, have fun coming up with your own ideas using the red, white and blue theme. Get the kids involved, too. It’s more fun that way! Happy almost 4th, everybody!

Photo courtesy of FoodNetwork.com.