The next meteor shower (Perseid) peaks between August 10 and 13. Will you be watching? I will!

It’s fun to create a watch party and enjoy the beauty of nature. And what do you need for a great meteor watch party?

1. Binoculars. Self explanatory.

2. A blanket and chairs. You want to be comfy out there under the stars.

3. Great food. The bacon-wrapped filets above should do nicely, but just make sure it’s something special. Meteor showers don’t happen every day!

4. Great company. Surround yourself with people who share your vision. Otherwise, well, your night could come crashing down.

So what do you think? Will YOU have your eyes toward the heavens for Perseid?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Since it’s National Picnic Month (what, you didn’t know that?) let’s get outside and pack the perfect picnic foods!

Now, there’s all sorts of ways we can do this.

1. You can go the safe route and pack bologna sandwiches and chips. Boring.

2. You can grill something delicioso, pack it up and head outdoors.

-OR-

3. You can bring along a portable grill to your picnic destination, grill up some goodies and have yourself a real PICNIC!

I choose #2 or #3.

Honestly, the enjoyment of the picnic is proportionate to the quality of the food you bring.

Your picnic spot may not be conducive to portable grilling. I get that. So #2 is your best bet. Just be sure to grill JUST BEFORE you leave, pack those kabobs/steaks/burgers/what have you in airtight containers and enjoy right away.

Don’t forget all the proper utensils, condiments, plates, drinks, napkins etc. for your picnic foods. Sometimes a change of scenery makes us lose our minds. Just think through your meal as if you were sitting down at your own table. Only this time, you’ll be sitting on a blanket. Outside. Enjoying nature.

Oh. And pack a blanket.

You really can enjoy just about any meal in picnic form. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t try spaghetti out there. But grilled foods are perfect! Especially ones you can eat with your hands.

So get out there and enjoy your own customized picnic this month and join all the other revelers outdoors who are celebrating National Picnic Month, too!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Oh, how I love to play around on the grill in the summertime!

You just WANT to be outside and fill the air with the smell of something delicious grilling.

Here’s a wonderful recipe to perfect this summer. It’s so refreshing with lime juice and cilantro – Grilled KC Strip with Black Bean Sauce. Delicious!

Grilled Strip with Black Bean Sauce

Ingredients:
4 (8oz.) Kansas City Strips
1 cup black beans, canned or cooked
1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
2 tbsp. lime juice
1 tbsp. cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp. onion, minced
1 tsp. garlic, minced
1 tsp. cumin, ground
1/4 cup water or stock
salt and pepper

Directions: In a small sauce pan, sweat the onion and jalapeno if using. Add the garlic and cook another twenty seconds. Add beans, cumin and half of the lime juice and stir. Add the water and blend with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth. Season to taste and keep warm.Grill your Kansas City Strips steak until medium, about four minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest for five minutes. Slice the steak on a diagonal and season the slices with the lime juice and salt and pepper. Plate on top of the sauce. This is a great sauce since it has absolutely no fat. You can add some butter in the blender to make it a little creamier but if not it is a great, healthy accompaniment.

Try it out this summer!