Spring is in full swing. I couldn’t be happier.

Okay, maybe I could be happier if it was maybe 10 degrees warmer. But I digress.

I adore springtime. My boys are outside throwing the ball around all the time now. That’s because the snow is gone and it’s warmer out. Even my dogs seem to be happier. Plus, baseball opening day is on its way and I’m ready to play ball!

Or maybe I’m ready to watch some other guys play ball while I eat steak.

Same thing, right?

Steaks typically make an appearance in our house whenever we’re gathered around the TV watching something. It’s just how it works. And in the spring when the grill is fired up full time it’s so much fun to get out the steak recipes and have fun.

I just like being outside and smelling the aroma of the smoky grill. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, the smell of a neighbor’s grill will waft over and I can enjoy some second-hand grill smoke. It’s a favorite pastime of mine, too.

This spring, on our side of the fence, we’ll go with some tried and true recipes like our simple rub or a marinade with Worcestershire sauce or even Teriyaki (that’s my favorite).

But throughout the season we’ll try some new recipes like this Grilled Strip with Black Bean Sauce. I like the way the juxtaposition of the black beans and the steak sounds. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a Kansas City strip steak. It’s meaty, hearty and so flavorful.

I’m thinking I might try this Mediterranean Steak Sandwich, too. It calls for Top Sirloin sandwich steaks, crumbled feta cheese and some delicious seasonings. Sandwich steaks are a nice way to make it more casual for baseball season. They’re so filling, too!

Join me in celebrating game day and all springtime has to offer by firing up the grill and grilling up some steaks. It’s about time!

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!