Picture this:  Your friends are all set to come over to your house for the big game this weekend. You’ve got your favorite jersey ready, the room is straightened up, the TV is all set in the most prominent place. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic game-watching experience.

So, what food are you going to serve? Yeah, they will be expecting to eat. They always do. So you can’t neglect an integral part of the get-together – munchables!

Believe me, hungry fans get rowdy and you want that energy aimed at the game – and not you. So feed them right… and often!

Before the steaks go on the grill (that’s what I like to serve as a main dish when a group comes over – filet mignon, Kansas City strip steak – delish!), you’ve got to keep them happy. Game time lasts a long time (seriously, hours and hours) and that means appetizers beforehand.

Set out some Applewood Bacon and Cheddar Burger Bites before the main entree. They’re just the size you need for people in your home who won’t be watching what they’re doing – they’ll have their eyes on the game. These little bites fit right in your hand and tame that hunger monster.

Another winning appetizer for your game day bunch? Jalapeno and Green Chili Kisses. They pack a punch and really rev up those taste buds. Plus, they’re bite-sized too!

Looking for something different? Lobster flatbread is a conversation starter and so delicious. Or put out some Bourbon and Cola Mini Dawgs (pigs in a blanket 2.0!!). Big groups absolutely LOVE these!

Appetizers are such an important part of a successful get-together and they’re imperative to keeping the hooting and hollering aimed at the TV and the TV only!

So give ‘em something to rave about – other than the game! Give ‘em appetizers!

You’re ready to prepare a meal that will go down in history. But it’s time for something slightly different.

So what does a steak enthusiast eat on days off from eating steaks?

Steakburgers!

Come on, I know it’s not just me.

And if you’re like me, and I know that you are, you have some delicioso burger recipes up your sleeve.

Come on, spill em. I’ll go first.

Let’s just start with the cheeseburger recipes, shall we?

One amazing way to add some variety to your cheeseburger is to mix up the type of cheese you use.

American and cheddar are nice and standard and always delicious, but what about blue cheese? Gruyere? Swiss?

Or how about using a nutty Asiago? Or sprinkling on a Greek Feta cheese? Different taste, different texture. Different experience.

Still cheese.

And still delicious.

After you’ve chosen your own special cheese selection comes the real fun part – accessorizing!

Like the perfect handbag, nail color, necklace, tie or handkerchief, your burger accessories can make or break the whole deal.

You can add condiments to your cheeseburger like fresh catsup, homemade mayonnaise, mustard or relish for a simple taste.

Then get a little more daring and add lettuce, mushrooms, pickles, BACON!, onions, and throw on another burger pattie. Make it a double decker!

You can really go wild and introduce onion rings or even anchovies to the mix. Come up with your own concoction and see what flavors make sweet music together!

Speaking of sweet, have you ever added something sweet to your cheeseburger? How about sliced strawberries, apples or peaches as a cheeseburger layer? It’s a flavor combination that takes a special palate to please – but that palate might just be yours!

What are your favorite cheeseburger recipe ideas? Share them in the comments below so we can all enjoy!

Are you a visual person?

I am.

Sometimes I just need someone to SHOW me how to do something. Seems like with YouTube and social media, video is the quickest way to thoroughly explain a topic.

And what better topic than steak? Filet mignon, to be exact.

The corporate chef for The Kansas City Steak Company has put together a video that provides tips on preparing their #1 best seller – the filet mignon.

It’s tender. It’s juicy. It’s buttery soft. But cook it wrong and it’ll taste like a hockey puck.

Trust me.

These steaks are delicate so you want to treat your filet with tender loving care. That way, it’ll love you right back.

Like it wrapped with bacon? Done.

Marinated? Check.

Bone-in or without? Sure!

So many choices. And when done right, this cut is brimming with flavor and leaves a lasting impression. It’s cut from the beef tenderloin roast and it’s really special.

So, what are the chef’s main tips?

1. Make sure it’s aged 28 days and the fat has been hand removed. That way, the beautiful beef shines through.
2. Check to ensure it’s well marbled for optimal flavor.
3. Thaw frozen steaks overnight in your refrigerator.
4. Take them out about a half hour before and let them come up to room temperature. That will allow them to cook evenly on the grill.
5. Use a clean, hot grill cranked up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. A high, dry heat works best with a low fat content steak like filet mignon.
7. It’s recommended to cook these steaks to medium rare for best results. Do not overcook. (Remember the hockey puck?)
8. Season all sides of the filet mignon so the natural flavor is brought out in every single bite.
9. Keep one side of the grill hot and the other side on medium. Halfway through, move the steaks to the medium side so that they continue to cook but don’t burn on the outside.
10. Cook to an internal temperature of 128 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer in the center of the steak to test. Don’t ever check with a knife.
11. Let the steaks rest on a platter for 5-10 minutes. They won’t get cold! This allows the natural juices to flavor the whole steak.

Follow these chef tips for a beautiful filet mignon every time! And watch more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ_4TmXyDks