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.

This time of year is perfect for star gazing.

Meteor showers and gorgeous weather make it a great time to get outside and enjoy life under the stars.

When you gather your group together, make sure to have lots to nibble on — we don’t want any hungry (read:  grumpy) star gazers in our midst. You need something hearty like burgers or anything BEEF!

Keep ’em happy with these star-studded recipes…

Need more recipe inspiration? Head on over here and you’ll be sure to find whatever tickles your taste buds.

Enjoy your star-studded party!

Photo and recipes courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

It’s COOKOUT time of year!!!

You want to invite the whole gang over to beat the heat and share some good, grilled grub.

With a little planning, your cookout can be the Greatest Cookout of All Time. And everyone – including you – will have lots of fun.

How does this happen? Follow this simple checklist for a fantastic cookout!

1. INVITATIONS

You can obviously just verbally invite folks over but if you do that you don’t have a concrete RSVP list. And that makes food and supplies hard to judge. My advice is good, old-fashioned invitations in the mailbox. Guests can RSVP by e-mail, but go all out and send ’em some paper!

2. MENU PLANNING

Think about the number of people who’ll be there, but also WHO will be there. Does everyone like filets? Burgers? Chicken? Seafood? Make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy. And load up on sides and desserts, too, like gourmet mac ‘n cheese and red velvet cake. Check out these recipes for inspiration. Hey, variety is the spice of life!

3. DRINKS

Don’t forget to quench their thirst! Make sure if you’re going to have alcoholic drinks, you also have non-alcoholic drinks. And have lots of water on hand. It’s hot out there!

4. DECORATIONS

You can really give your cookout a special feel if you decorate just for the occasion. Go Hawaiian or decorate with a down-home Southern twist. Really make it special!

5. ENTERTAINMENT

This can be as simple as setting out a game of horseshoes or croquet to play while the food is grilling. Or, even designating a DJ. Just give ’em something to focus on before, during and after the food makes its grand entrance!

If you plan it all out ahead of time, you can just go with the flow and enjoy your friends and family at your cookout. And THAT is what summer’s all about!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.