It’s hard to present a beautiful spiral-sliced ham on a platter and it NOT be a special occasion.

Seriously, a gorgeous ham like this makes just a regular Tuesday night something to talk about.

But when it comes time for actual special occasions (hey, there are lots coming up in the next two months) a ham really fits the bill.

Holiday gatherings always require ham at my house. And one of the beautiful things about having overnight company and serving ham is that it can be served for breakfast, lunch AND dinner!

Serve a mouth-watering ham and all the right sides for dinner, then, the next morning chop up some ham and create the most amazing omelettes. Lunch? Ham sandwiches! Perfect.

Some food for thought for the holidays to come. Ham should always be a part of the equation. And I can’t wait!

Photo 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.

Spiral sliced ham.  Twice baked potatoes. Dessert!

If those words are music to your ears, here’s your chance to indulge your taste buds with the ultimate Easter dinner.

The Kansas City Steak Company is giving away five (5) Easter dinner packages with a 7-8 lb. ham as the star of the show.

Just think, all the mouth-watering goodness of a first-class holiday meal without all the fuss!

Where do I sign up?

Well, here’s how to enter:

1)   Sign up at KansasCitySteaks.com or the Kansas City Steak Company Facebook page (one entry per person, per week).

2)   Get additional entries by spreading the word.  Tell your friends, family, co-workers, mailman about the launch of the Kansas City Steak Company Easter Dinner Giveaway via Twitter, Facebook and/or a blog post.   You can only use each way once, but go ahead – use each option for multiple chances to win!

3)   Come back and leave a comment.  Include the link to your Tweet, Facebook or blog post about the Easter Dinner Giveaway.

Need some inspiration?  Here’s a suggested Tweet/update (but feel free to add your own personal touch to it):

KansasCitySteaks.com is giving away 5 yummy Easter Dinner Packages! Enter to win: www.kansascitysteaks.com/contest-contest

But don’t wait too long – this Easter Dinner Giveaway is only through April, 13, 2011!  Check out the official rules here.