It’s a new year! Time to open our minds to new things, new tastes and new opportunities. That’s one reason I love January. It’s a fresh start. And it’s exciting!

I mean, what are New Year’s Resolutions for? To push us. To better ourselves. To challenge us. That applies to the food world as well.

Okay, EVERYTHING applies to the food world to me. But that’s just how I see the world.

So tell me, did you start the year with some black-eyed peas? Or did you have a fancy prix fixe menu for the new year?

Any way you slice it, food plays a big part in ALL of our celebrations (and it’s not just me) – and throughout the year.

This year, why not try some new foods? Haven’t tasted steak tartare yet? Make 2016 the time when you at least TRY. It’s a delicacy, right? You might really like it!

Or how about some beef and red bean chili? Ever tried it? It’s ground chuck slow-cooked, fresh, flavorful tomatoes and a three-chili blend. Delicious!

Want to go the chicken route? Test out some chicken and white bean chili. This dish combines slow-kettle-cooked chicken with peppers and a Southwest seasoning. Yee-haw!

Maybe you can make this year the year you try a fantastic Ribeye sandwich steak. Such a perfect cut to create a tender, tasty sandwich. Believe it or not, some people have never put a steak on a sandwich. Are you one of them? If so, change that this year! It’s so satisfying!

There are so many ways to expand your mind and test your palate. Have fun trying new foods and new tastes. There are so many things to try!

So what foodie things will you challenge yourself with in 2016? Let me know in the comments below!

November is upon us! The holidays are coming up! Does that invoke excitement or fear in you? This could go either way.

If it’s fear, you might be looking for a little inspiration and guidance. All the preparation and decision-making the time of year can be overwhelming. You’re gonna need some help. Hey, I’m in this boat, too. And among the Thanksgiving tips you and I may be searching for this holiday season are the perfect table settings.

Picture this: You’ve done the hard part. You’ve chosen the most amazing Thanksgiving menu – complete with all the dishes you love like a smoked turkey, spiral-sliced ham, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, garlic green beans, fresh baked dinner rolls and a dessert to die for like a red velvet cake or a pumpkin pie.

Now you’ve got to showcase all that hard work. You can’t just plop all that beautiful food down on an uninspired table. You need the perfect table setting.

So think – what style excites you?

Do you like an elegant table with shiny china and delicate glassware? Play that up! It’s Thanksgiving! Bring out the family heirlooms and the sentimental pieces for everyone to enjoy.

Or do you prefer a more subtle look with a more farm-fresh theme? Colorful fruits in a bowl and a more casual tableware create a table setting that’s very inviting. It’s YOUR table so dress it how you please!

Or maybe you like a more classic table setting with homey dishes and napkin holders with a harvest theme. A cornucopia in the middle of the table is the ultimate classic finish to this table’s theme.

There’s a lot to be thankful for this year. And however you choose to express yourself this Thanksgiving, your guests will appreciate the time and effort you spent to create the table setting that means the most to you!

What do you like to eat when you’re tailgating?

Are you the quick and easy type? Steakburgers all around with chips and condiments and beverages.

Or do you like to go crazy with something a bit more time-intensive like, say, Kansas City strip steak? Or filet mignon?

I’m cool with that. And I’ll bet your friends are, too.

Maybe pair those steaks with sides that will knock their socks off like gourmet mashed potatoes or asparagus or twice-baked potatoes?

Either way, I’m game. (No pun intended. Okay, the pun WAS intended.)

Sometimes you just want to whip up something you know will be tasty and will please just about everybody – in a short amount of time.

Enter burgers.

But other times, you want to experiment. Play around with your food. Try new things. Mix it up a bit.

That’s when you break out the steaks and make it a MEAL!

Who says your tailgate party can’t be gourmet at the same time? There are no rules here, except that the food must be delicious.

And, believe me, you’ll get no complaints either way. It’s just a matter of how you’re feeling that day.

Are you feeling burgerish or steakified?

Maybe it depends on the game. A pretty routine game that your team is sure to win perhaps calls for some good old-fashioned burgers.

But an important rivalry? Or a playoff game? That might necessitate you pulling out all the stops. Bring on the filets, the strip steaks, the T-bones, the ribeyes.

Your team needs you – and you need to be fueled properly.

So, do you take tailgating as seriously as me? Is there a lot of thought put into your menu or do you just grill it and go?

Whichever method you choose, I think we’re on the same team – TEAM TAILGATE!