I don’t normally make requests, but this seems very necessary right about now. So here goes . . .

I would like for Hurricane Irene to leave us all alone and go about her business elsewhere – like, out in the middle of the ocean.

There, I have put my request in to the universe and for extra good mojo I give you this tasty recipe for Hurricane Hanger Steak. Do not use it this weekend if you are in the path of the storm. Please seek shelter!  Save this meal for when you have your “we’re-okay-the-hurricane-didn’t-get-us” story to tell over dinner.

And, when everybody’s safe and ya wanna try this, just remember “hanger” is in the name, but you can use any cut you like, really.

A word of caution about the recipe, the marinade is quite sweet so be prepared for that.

Then, go and cook this meal in good health and may it bring good karma to our friends in Irene’s path this weekend.

Irene, you are not welcome here. But your steak is.

Stay safe, friends!

Photo courtesy of Grilling.com.

Love steak?

Who doesn’t?  (Don’t answer that.)

Like being healthy?

Who wouldn’t?

Oprah, over at Oprah.com (via Dr. Katz), gives us tips on cooking a healthier steak.

I like that. I think we’re all trying to find ways to stay healthy and cook healthier.

Hint:  Use beer for your marinade.

Hey, if cooking with beer makes my steak healthier – sign me up!

Check out the recipe and special tips here.

And then go cook that healthy steak!

Photo courtesy of Oprah.com.

I like great quality meat. But I like a good bargain, too. And I have to start planning for Labor Day now. It will sneak up on me.

So this Labor Day holiday I’m going to stock up on some of our neighborhood favorites – because inevitably, the neighborhood ends up in our back yard.

I really love that because I like being in control. I’m neurotic that way. We have burgers, steaks and chicken. Everyone’s happy.

We eat the food I like, listen to the music I enjoy – you get the picture. So why wouldn’t I want the festivities at my house? What’s a few crumbs on the counter among friends when I can make sure I have Teriyaki sauce for my ribeye? See how that works?

I’m looking forward to Labor Day because it’s that last grasp at a summer feeling. People are off work, it’s still warm out where we live and folks are in the mood to have fun. I like that.

So come on, Labor Day! I’m ready for ya!

I’m just not ready for you to be over.

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Steak Company.