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 centerpiece of a great fall harvest party? The food!

Dishes that warm the soul and the palate are what celebrating the fall harvest is all about!

Here are some of my favorite foodie ideas to usher in the season:

1. Start with tantalizing appetizers. How about some applewood bacon and cheddar sliders? Or offer tasty basil pesto gorgonzola kisses, three cheese arancini, herb citrus scallops and lobster flatbread.

2. Whole Smoked Turkey. This is the main event. Delicious and showstoppingly beautiful, the aroma alone will have your guests drooling.

3. Sides with a twist. Try mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms, carrots with maple glaze or lobster mac and cheese.

4. Finish up strong. Desserts that hail the season are winners like hand-dipped chocolate macaroons, spiced apple streusel tartlets or cognac pumpkin cake!

With a menu like this, no one will forget THIS fall harvest, for sure!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Are you a heavy-duty tailgater?

Then you probably have this tailgating thing down!

For the rest of us non-professionals, some tailgating hacks might be useful before heading out to cheer on your team – and eat like a champ!

Tip #1 – Prepare as much food as you can beforehand. You don’t want to spend ALL your tailgate time working away over a hot propane stove.

Tip #2 – Keep it simple. Do you really want a four-course meal with dijonnaise sauce and delicate fritters? No! You’re out in a parking lot for goodness’ sake. Try brisket. Ribs. Burgers. Steak. Bite-sized appetizers.

Tip #3 – Never, ever run out of food. We don’t want a brawl on our hands. Those fans get hungry!

Tip #4 – Since you will be following tip #3, make sure to bring a cooler specifically for leftovers. Tailgate food is great even the next day! But you have to store it properly so it will keep.

Tip #5 – Don’t make it so complicated that you won’t have time to have fun yourself. Try sides – and even meals – you can just heat and eat.

Have fun cheering on your team at your next tailgate party. And eat a rib for me!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.