Oh, those beautiful summer days!

They’re coming to a close. But we still have a few days to savor the tastes of wonderful, glorious summer.

My summertime favorites?

Anything light and easy.

A fresh chicken breast on the grill. A little lemon juice and some greens and I’m a happy gal.

Burgers! Adding avocado at this time of year is so refreshing and delicious.

Grilled tenderloin salad. Try this one with peaches, pecans and limes. It looks, tastes and smells like summer.

And finally … steaks! A ribeye is my fave any time of year. Just sitting outside in the summer sun, smelling the aroma of a steak on the grill puts me in my happy place fast.

How about you? What are your summertime classics? Time is running out!

Photos courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

The kids are back in school and the schedules and time crunch is back!

We need meals that are nourishing and delicious, but also hassle-free. That’s why I LOVE these easy back-to-school night meals. You literally heat, then serve them!

Here are 5 easy ways to make weeknight dinnertime a wonderful experience:

1. Brisket with twice-baked potatoes. The meat is already sliced and sauced. Put it in the oven (the potatoes, too) and voila!
2. Hickory-smoked ham and mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms. Delicious and different. This meal is a hit!
3. Chicken Spiedini. A new twist on a mealtime favorite – chicken! This Italian dish is so savory your family will devour it. Serve with your favorite noodles.
4. Cold Water Lobster Tails. Did they ace the test? Break out this seafood favorite! You can grill, bake or boil them. Whichever way you choose, it’s simple! Try with creamed spinach.
5. Beef Wellington. Put it in the oven and you have a gourmet meal that is rich and flavorful. Green beans in a mushroom cream sauce are an excellent accompaniment!

May all your school nights be stress free – or at least the ones when you take it easy on yourself and serve these meals!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Campfire cooking this summer?

You lucky duck!

It’s fun and totally “back to nature” BUT, you’ve gotta follow some ground rules to make sure it all goes smoothly.

Here are some helpful tips for successful campfire cooking:

1. You could do stick-related meals like hot dogs and bacon-wrapped goodies (see above). Those are always tasty and fun. Just pay attention because they can burn quickly!
2. A yummy culinary trick is to wrap meat (fish, chicken) in wild leaves and tie it up with twine to give it an authentic flavor. You can cook it right above the coals and you’ll have a tender, deliciously flavored meal.
3. Repurpose the things you brought with you when cooking. Use a Frisbee as a chopping board or even as a plate. Hey, we’re outside, it’s not pristine, people.
4. Be sure to clean up after yourself before you leave. Camping etiquette requires us all to not leave cups, forks, napkins all over the ground. When you’re done it’s someone else’s turn to enjoy the great outdoors!