Remember that old ketchup commercial set to Carly Simon’s song?

That’s how I feel today. My order of steaks, salmon and a cake I don’t have to bake have arrived.

I’m ready to eat them NOW. But I have to wait.

V-Day is just 2 days away. I think I can do it.

But after a week of Slim-Fast, Kashi Go Lean and countless chicken nuggets (the kids ate those — but I did have to look at them) I think I deserve my steak. Don’t you?

I hope you have a steak planned for this Saturday, too. It’s really the only way to go.

I’ve talked to a lot of my neighbors and of the ones who do have Valentine’s plans, they all involve steak — either at a restaurant or at home.

It’s not just me. I’m sure of it!

And since you probably are craving steak, too, I’ll be kind enough to share some photos of my Valentine’s meal with you.

And I promise I won’t put ketchup on it.

I’ve decided what I’m going to cook for V-Day this year. I’m going to mix it up a little bit and cook some Top Sirloin. . .

. . . Marinated King Salmon . . .

. . . and then finish with a Lemon Charlotte Royale Cake with raspberry swirls . . .

Wow.

So these are the pictures of what they’re SUPPOSED to look like. I’m excited to see how they turn out after I get my hands on them.

The cake just has to be thawed. I can do that.

And the steaks we pretty much have down to perfection. But the salmon will be a new trick. I’ve cooked salmon before on the grill and it was great, but this time I actually think it will be even easier because I’ve chosen meat that is already seasoned. And I just have to thaw and bake.

I can totally do that.

Feel free to steal this menu . . . I’ll never know.

Here’s where I’ve ordered my menu selections. They should arrive next Wednesday.

And, hey, if you do make this menu for your honey bunny also, send me some pics so I can see how yours turned out!!!

Photos courtesy of The Kansas City Steak Company.

Well, folks, Valentine’s Day is almost here again and we’ve decided that we don’t like going out to a restaurant anymore to celebrate the day.

There are too many other sweethearts clogging up our favorite places on that evening. And, ahem, we don’t like to wait.

Besides, we like cooking something perfect at home. Just the way we like it.

Here’s what we did last year. Steak and lobster. You can’t go wrong with that. And it was fabulous. But I’m wanting to change it up at least slightly. You know, keep it fresh.

So what should I cook for my Valentines Day dinner this year? Here are the parameters:

1. It must involve meat. And I don’t mean pork or poultry. Beef.
2. I have to be able to cook it in my humble kitchen. I do not have a convection oven or restaurant-grade gadgets. Just the usual tools, plus a smoker.
3. It can’t be too “out there.” We’re simple folk.

Got any cool ideas? Send ’em my way!!