No, I don’t mean, “Hello, steak, you’re looking delicious today.” That’s a compliment.

I mean things that complement a steak – like a luscious steak butter melting on top or a mushroom garnish.

One of my favorite things to do is grill up a bunch of filet mignons and serve them with different steak butters – like roasted garlic, tomato chipotle or Tuscan herb flavors.

Everyone can choose their favorite taste!

Another delicious complement is a nice finishing salt.

Now, when my dad taught me how to grill a steak, he never said anything about finishing salts. But sprinkling on a salt flavored with rosemary or garlic gives your steak an edge that kicks your grillmaster status up a notch or two.

Then, there’s the almighty steak sauce. A perfectly blended steak sauce brings out the richness in your steaks and makes sure it’s a steak you’ll remember.

These are my favorite complements for steak. What are yours?

With so much going on when you’re hosting a holiday dinner, it’s helpful to cut down on the last-minute scrambling by serving made-ahead side dishes.

Delicious options like twice-baked potatoes you just pop in the oven and steak butters to enhance the flavor of just about anything – from those steaks you have on hand to mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms you simply heat in the oven.

Creamed corn that just requires heating up is also a great option that just about everybody loves. Don’t labor over EVERY side dish AND the main entree. Save your energy for the showstoppers!

Delicious AND easy is the way to go to keep stress at a minimum. Don’t let the food get you worked up. Remember, Aunt Susie will be there with her advice about your love life. Again.

THAT will be quite enough stress, thank you.

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

MY Final Four ways to top your steak while you’re watching all those games?

Easy!

They’re a fun way to dress up a steak for a different twist. So here we go:

#1. Steak Butter.

Delish. Flavorful, fresh and drizzled just right. Mmmm.

#2. Fruit.

You heard me. Fruit. Mango, lime – just try it! You might be surprised!

#3. Salsa.

Spoon some on top of a piping hot steak and just think of all the spicy flavors that will come alive.

#4. Cheese.

It’s not just for Philly Cheesesteaks anymore. No, siree! Blue cheese, gorgonzola, feta. Something that crumbles works well. Although I’m not opposed to the melted, gooey variety either.

Want to know more about my Final Four? Click here to get some great tips for using these delicious steak toppers.

They’ll help fuel you up to root on your favorite basketball team as it comes down to the wire!