This was the scene on Labor Day. Grilling. Chilling. Peacefulness.

Except for the minor mishap with that burger in front. Not sure what happened there. It somehow got split in two.

I got to eat that one. That’s what moms do.

But it tasted fantastic all the same.

Those other delights on the grill are bratwurst. We had ourselves a little combo going and our friends who came over thought they had died and gone to heaven.

We had a little football on TV, some meat on the grill and all was well.

THAT’S something to be thankful for. And that’s what we’ll be thinking on Sunday as we remember what happened in our country 10 YEARS AGO.

I can’t believe 9/11/01 was 10 years ago. It feels like yesterday in my mind. My kids weren’t even born then. But they know about 9/11 and we’ll discuss it again.

Just being here is something to be thankful for. And we’ll remember those who aren’t. I hope you will too.

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I like great quality meat. But I like a good bargain, too. And I have to start planning for Labor Day now. It will sneak up on me.

So this Labor Day holiday I’m going to stock up on some of our neighborhood favorites – because inevitably, the neighborhood ends up in our back yard.

I really love that because I like being in control. I’m neurotic that way. We have burgers, steaks and chicken. Everyone’s happy.

We eat the food I like, listen to the music I enjoy – you get the picture. So why wouldn’t I want the festivities at my house? What’s a few crumbs on the counter among friends when I can make sure I have Teriyaki sauce for my ribeye? See how that works?

I’m looking forward to Labor Day because it’s that last grasp at a summer feeling. People are off work, it’s still warm out where we live and folks are in the mood to have fun. I like that.

So come on, Labor Day! I’m ready for ya!

I’m just not ready for you to be over.

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Steak Company.

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This was a little middle-of-the-week pick-me-up. (Did I use enough hyphens for ya?)

We were blowing and going like we always do (and like most of America does). And we just needed to sit and eat something that made us happy.

This was it.

We pan fried some delicious steakburgers and then we all topped them with whatever we thought would bring out the flavor best.

Some of us used mayo, others opted for ketchup and cheese and others – who will remain nameless – drenched theirs in Teriyaki sauce.

The fries were an added bonus.

For us, there’s nothing like a good, hearty meal to fill our bodies and our souls. And this beefy one did the trick!

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Well, it seems like it sometimes.

See, we’re on vacation. And we’ve made it a rule to not eat out as much as possible on vacation.

We have kids under age 10 and all the “family-oriented” places around here are, well, deep-fried disappointment.

Ugh.

Plus, there are lines and waiting and complaining.

That’s not much of a vacation.

So we opt to cook our favorites at our home away from home.

And these steakburgers? Well, they were heaven.

As soon as we began cooking, the place where we’re staying filled quickly with the amazing aroma of grilled beef and we all could hardly contain our appetites until the sweet relief of a plate on the table.

No lines, no gum-chewing waitress, no bill, no TIPPING.

Just my food exactly the way I like it with incredible smoky bacon and ooey, gooey cheese.

You tell me heaven isn’t like that. I dare ya!

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Good Day Café: Grilling Steak: MyFoxNY.com

It’s that time of year! So many things to celebrate – Father’s Day, graduations . . . summer!

And how do we celebrate things around here? Why, with food, of course!

So to help us do that, here’s a video of Arturo McLeod, executive chef at Benjamin Steak House in NYC, showing us exactly how to grill that perfect steak or burger.

My favorite takeaway from this one? Heat your grill 30-45 minutes before putting on the steaks.

Now that’s a HOT grill! Makes sense, though.

Mmmm, I can hear that beef sizzling now . . .

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Yeah, that headline sounds kinda cavemanish. But it’s basically been a fact since time began that men love beef.

So what better to get dear old Dad this Father’s Day than an exquisite cut of beef – or two?

I know my dad would love it. Who do you think taught me to appreciate a juicy steak?

Here are some great Father’s Day gift ideas that’ll have Dad’s mouth watering and his heart full.

Things like gift boxed Kansas City strip steaks will make him jump for joy (check them out above).

Or what about Wagyu Kobe beef steakburgers? Isn’t Father’s Day the time to break out the really good stuff?

And you can never go wrong with a gift certificate that lets Dad pick his own beefy goodies.

Like a kid in a candy store.

Think about it. But not for too long – you want it to arrive in time for Father’s Day, June 19th!

Check out all the gift options you can handle here!

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It’s tried and true. How can you go wrong with sliders on a sunny, holiday weekend?

Answer:  You can’t.

Try this recipe for scrumptious goodness on a bun – which includes the ever-popular bacon and some tasty seasonings.

Your crew will be happy and so will you!

Bon appetit, my friends! And have a safe and flavorful holiday weekend!

Let’s all remember the reason for the holiday as well. We have much to be thankful for.

Photo courtesy of MyRecipes.com.

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Can you believe Memorial Day is almost upon us? It’s one of the Holy Grails of grilling holidays.

Are you ready?

Well, there’s a sale on what I believe are the best meats around. Steaks, steaks for sandwiches, steaks for making fajitas, steak meat for skewers, steakburgers – you name it!

Check it out here and get ordering for Memorial Day. It’ll be here before we know it!

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait. I could use at least a day to focus on grilling, relaxing and enjoying my family. There’s always too much blowing and going.

I’m ready for some laying around. How ’bout you?

I just don’t want to forget the most important part – the food!!!

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Steak Company.

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And now, for your daily exposure to literary greatness -

My Love For Steakburgers Knows No Bounds…

Burger, burger on the wall

So sorry the poodle caught my fall.

It’s just too bad I was running late

Cuz then you might still be on my plate.

I’ll scrape you off – good as new

And wash you down with a Mountain Dew.

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You’re getting verrrry hungry. . .

Your grill is dusted off, right? Well, put these babies on!

These Two-Pepper Burgers feature jalapenos and chipotle in adobo. Ayayayayyyy!

But. . . the mayonnaise is an unexpected twist – as well as a few other goodies. You’ll just have to check it out for yourself here.

And, uh, have a beverage handy. I’m just sayin’, you’ll thank me. Really.

Happy burgering – spring has sprung!

Photo courtesy of Shine.Yahoo.com.

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At my house, the kids are out of school for the holidays. Freedom!!!!

We’re celebrating with a steak dinner so we can chat about the exciting days ahead.

Today happens to be Free Shipping Day, so if you’re quick, you can take advantage of that and get some amazing meals ready for the holidays ahead.

Steaks, burgers, prime rib, beef tips, ham, turkey – everything! Go here and get ‘er done!

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas at my house!!!

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This weekend, I plan to spend lots of time with my family just . . . being.

School has started here and ever since we’ve been blowing and going. I am looking forward to doing some fun things with my kids and having an actual conversation with my husband.

A novel concept.

We’ll be grilling out, inviting friends over and playing. Thank you, Labor Day, for giving me the chance to enjoy my family — and some really good food.

I hope you do the same.

Happy Labor Day!

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Now THAT’S a well-used grill!

We often have impromptu get-togethers in our backyard with the neighbors. So. . . we’ve got to keep lots of good food on hand. You know, just in case.

There are always steakburgers in our fridge or freezer and this weekend we just happened to have a bunch on the grill when our neighbors stopped by for a swim and a burger. What fun!

This is my beautiful friend’s “halfburger.” I’m trying to get her to patent the name, but she just thinks I’m crazy. She is very dainty and lovely and half a burger is all she needs.

Me? Well, let’s just say I can easily handle an entire burger.

We just love summer at our house and when you’re prepared, fun can happen at any time!

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When you’re at the beach you don’t realize you’re hungry until you’ve stripped off your wet, sandy bathing suit, taken a shower and then sat down.

And then by that time, it’s too late . . . you’re RAVENOUS.

For us, the grumpies start to appear and nobody’s happy until they’ve eaten.

That’s why we like to cook in our little condo. I usually leave the beach early to get the meal rolling and then head off the “grumpies” before they appear.

See how that works?

This gorgeous photo is a steakburger meal we prepared one night. But it’s not just ANY steakburger. It’s got Vidalia (sweet) onions in the beef. And boy do they flavor that beef!

Some of us like to make them into cheese steakburgers (like the one above), but that night I preferred to make mine an onion steakburger with no bun marinaded in Teriyaki sauce. I’m crazy about the stuff. Those yummy onions mixed with the marinade brought out the amazing flavor of the burger. I just plain didn’t need a bun.

Everybody was happy because they got to make theirs however they wanted it.

And those grumpies I mentioned? They stayed far away that night. Well played, if I do say so myself.

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This week, I think I may have made the most perfect steakburger I’ve ever attempted.

I pan fried them in olive oil and just at the last moment placed a glistening slice of cheese on the top so it could meld itself to the burger, fitting perfectly.

Out in the backyard, my 5-year-old son ate an orange Popsicle while I took photos of this masterpiece.

“Whatcha doin’, Mommy?”

“Taking pictures of this beautiful burger.”

(What? Doesn’t every mom take pictures of their dinner before they serve it to their family?)

“It looks like sunshine on a mountain,” he said. “And there’s the grass. And a red swimming pool.”

Classic. Now THAT is why you have kids, people. They show you new ways of looking at things you’ve seen a thousand times before.

It made me teary-eyed that he had put so much thought into this. This steakburger had created a real MOMENT between us.

Then, my precious son pummeled his empty Popsicle stick at a rabbit that had the misfortune of hopping through our yard at that exact moment.

That bunny was just trying to live his life, man. Sheesh.

But the moment was good for the 30 seconds it lasted.

We went inside to eat our sunshine-on-the-mountain burgers and the innocent stick that had been turned into a lethal weapon went promptly into the garbage.

But that’s life in the ‘burbs for ya. Go tough or go home, Thumper.

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