You’re grilling out at the beach!

Fun times!

What are you going to take?

• Well, if there’s not already a grill set up down there, you’ll need a GRILL!
• Plus, all the accompaniments — charcoal, lighter, etc. — whatever heat source it requires.
• Then, I suggest something customizable like the KABOBS above or BURGERS.
• You can marinate or season either before bringing them onto the sand and then just pop them onto the grill when you’re ready.
• Everyone can create exactly the kabob or burger they like with the fixings you provide. So offer plenty.
• You’ll need a CLEAN PLATTER to serve your main entree on, plus plates for each person.
• Ensure that all of your serving trays and plastic tubs are COVERED or coverable. There are lot of flying critters out there by the water and we don’t want them feasting on your beautiful meal.
• And aside from all the things we know you’ll remember (sides, utensils, condiments) make sure to bring lots and lots of BEVERAGES. A large quantity and a large variety. The beach is dehydrating so bring tons of liquid!

Summer goes by fast, so have a wonderful time on your next beach cookout — and when you’re prepared it’s easy as pie!

This, my friends, is why I love ordering the food I enjoy and having it sent to me on vacation.

I get to indulge in my favorite steak — exactly the way I want it — in a gorgeous setting. It doesn’t get any better than that.

This was taken on our seaside balcony in Florida. This Kansas City strip was to die for.

Our group was so thankful to have a beautiful steak dinner without all the headaches of reservations, waiting for a table and not getting a meal exactly how we want it.

It was a relaxed, perfect night. And isn’t that what a vacation is supposed to entail????

Ahhhhh. . . . .

So, we’re back in the real world after a wonderful visit to Florida’s Gulf coast. It was well worth all of the wondering and worrying and ultimately the decision to keep our plans.

The area was beautiful and people seemed genuinely happy to have us there. That’s always nice, right? To have people happy you’re there?

We always like to cook in our little rental when we travel there because we like what we like and — well — we’re kind of picky.

As I’ve done for the past few years, I had an order of some of my faves sent to me there and let me tell you we were not disappointed.

Isn’t it beautiful?

The first meal we cooked was an all-beef franks extravaganza. Can’t go wrong with that, I say.

We were like Burger King — you could totally have it your way. Plain, ketchup, mustard, spicy mustard, relish, cheese . . . anything.

We cooked these babies on our trusty George Foreman grills indoors. The place smelled so good!

Cooking for a bunch of hungry vacationers sort of makes you well-liked. And I liked earning my place at the top of the food chain (so to speak) every night. It makes everyone happy when Mama’s happy.

More scrumptious meals from our week later!