When I’m enjoying a very, hearty, beef cut like a T-bone or a Porterhouse a great wine is a must!

A smooth red blend will do the trick nicely!

I always need help choosing the right wine for my cut of beef so I reference this list of pairing suggestions.

It gives me choices but helps guide me along the way.

Plus, it’s just fun!

My favorite thing is to try them all at different sittings to come up with a winner.

And when I find the right wine, my big, beautiful steak tastes THAT much better!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Now that we have a checklist for planning a celebration of Dad on Father’s Day, let’s talk MENU!

We’ve got to do it up right for Dad!

APPETIZERS

We’re going to want to whet Dad’s appetite, but not TOO much because there’s lots more to come! Try some Jumbo Shrimp or Basil Pesto Gorgonzola Kisses to get him started.

ENTREE

Now on to the main course! Might I suggest a gorgeous Porterhouse steak for such an occasion? It’s manly, it’s delicious and it’ll let Dad know you’re serious.

SIDE DISHES

This celebration meal calls for Mashed Potatoes with Porcini Mushrooms or decadent Twice Baked Potatoes. Delish!

DESSERT

MY dad is all about the German Chocolate Cake. But maybe yours would love Red Velvet Cake or Vanilla Cheesecake. Pick his favorite!

It’s so much fun to plan a meal for someone you love. Make sure you have all Dad’s faves and it’ll be a hit. Click here for more menu inspiration.

Happy celebrating!

Steak. My favorite. And now that a new year is here it’s the perfect time to try new and different things with my old favorite.

So how about trying these 14 ways to eat steak in 2014?

Some you may have seen before, but some may be completely new. Let’s branch out! Discover new ways of enjoying something.

I’m game. Are you?

Here are my 14 Ways to Eat Steak in ’14:

1) Steak Soup

2) This recipe for Thai Beef Salad

Thai Beef Salad

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Celery, ¼ inch bias cut     2 stalks

Carrots, Julienned            2

Green onions, cut on the bias

                                    1 bunch

Asian BBQ flank steak     1 lb

Fresh basil, chiffonade      12 leaves

Cilantro, minced             ½ bunch

Olive oil                                    ¼ C

Rice vinegar                   ¼ C

Jalapeno, minced             ½

Brown Sugar                  2 T

Garlic, Minced                1 T

Sambal                          2 T

Method:

1. Cook the flank steak to medium rare, or desired doneness, and chill.

2. Thinly slice the beef, against the grain, and combine with the rest of the ingredients.

3) Steak and Veggie Kabobs

4) Steakburgers – any way you choose, with Swiss cheese, Vidalia onions, avocado – you name it!

5) Steak Tartare. What? You wanted to try something new and daring, right?

6) Steak Sandwiches – so good with leftover steak, too!

7) Wagyu Kobe Beef Steaks – if you haven’t tried them, now’s the time!

8-14) Try these recipes for everything from Rosemary-Crusted Porterhouse to Rolled, Stuffed Steak

Enjoy this little adventure in steak eating for 2014. I know I will!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.