It’s almost America’s Independence Day!

So let’s take a look a some of America’s most popular American foods. Here’s an unofficial list compiled by ME. Make your own if you feel I missed something!

1. HOT DOGS

I mean, what do we eat while watching America’s pastime? Why, hot dogs! All beef, of course.

2. BURGERS

When people travel to America, they HAVE to stop and order a burger somewhere. It’s quintessentially American.

3. ICE CREAM

You know this one makes the list. We love this stuff!

4. PIZZA

It may have come from Italy, but we took it to a whole new level. Seriously. Top it with beef and it’s a homerun!

5. STEAK AND BARBECUE

Virtually every city/region in the United States believes that their barbecue and/or steak is the greatest. Memphis, Kansas City, Texas, Alabama, Nebraska. Just ask ’em!

Maybe this week is the time to indulge in all foods American. If so, it might be the best week of your life!!! 🙂

Photo 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.

Bacon. It’s delicious. It’s flavorful. It’s what obsessions are made of.

But have you ever stopped to think why we call bacon BACON?

These are the things that keep me up late at night. But, luckily, this particular mystery has been solved.

The word “bacon” has Old French origins and means “back.” Back bacon is common in England and is made up of the loin and some belly.

Want to know more food name origins? Click here to learn fascinating tidbits about pasta, cheese and more!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.