Do you believe in magic?

We’re talking serious culinary alchemy, folks… and it’s the perfect choice for any special occasion dinner. I’m going to be making this again for Valentine’s Day. (This just in from the Department of Understatements: I’m pretty sure my husband will approve.)  Continue Reading

A Boston-inspired celebration

If you follow the Patriots, you’re no doubt rejoicing their win today. Chief among you is Certified Angus Beef ® brand Chef Tony Biggs, a Massachusetts native who’s lived, and cooked, around the world but remains a die-hard New England fan. He suggests a post-game-day celebratory feast, inspired by some classic Boston culinary traditions: clam “chowda,” tender, marinated steak tips, and baked beans.  Continue Reading

Lettuce Experience the Thrill of Competition

In this conclusion to Chef Ashley Pado’s experience on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen, she recounts the thrill of each round, the horrors of sabotage, and the challenges of culinary competition. Read the rest of her story here and here. No great story ever started or ended with “leafy greens” anyway … When I heard “Southwest Salad” I never once envisioned …   Continue Reading

Culinary Dreams Come True for Chef Ashley

From cutting meat to styling steaks for a photo shoot, feeding guests to educating food lovers, and everything in between, Chef Ashley Pado is ready for anything in the Certified Angus Beef ® brand kitchens. As we look forward to her debut on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen on Sunday, Jan. 4, this self-proclaimed “beef lady” shares some of the highlights on her culinary journey.  Continue Reading

Beef 101: Amazing Secret to An Upper Crust Roast

Cornstarch! That’s right. That flavorless powder is going to perform some serious roast magic. See, when you mix it in with the rest of your seasonings, it’s going to create a powerful layer of adhesion, because it helps wick moisture away from the surface of the roast. So without changing the flavor, it’s going to help those delicious seasoning bits stick to each slice of roast, and not crumble away.  Continue Reading

Beef 101: Make A Simple Standing Rib Roast

My go-to pick is the Standing Rib Roast. It’s the classic Christmas roast. The Big Kahuna of the dinner table. The show-stopper. The stuff of legend and family lore. The meal that will make YOU the reigning queen or king of holiday celebrations. Making it is simple – really simple. I promise!   Continue Reading

Easy Beef Bundles of Bliss

Here's one of my favorite bites for the holiday season: Beef & Scallion Rolls. Not only is it virtually foolproof and easy to prepare (a necessity for my get-togethers), but also delicious and dazzling (just as important, in my book). Flank steak, one of my favorite cuts, is marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic and ginger.   Continue Reading

Three Cheers for Quesadillas!

In our house, the arrival of fall is welcomed with enthusiasm. Cooler temperatures, anticipation of the colorful autumn foliage, and the return of hooded sweatshirts are all cause for celebration. Not to mention football! Between the broad selection of college and pro games available for viewing every weekend (and, I’ve noticed, increasingly during the week) …   Continue Reading

Tailgate Touchdown

Whether you follow a professional team or remain loyal to your alma mater, weekends during football season are all about fun, friends & family … and great food! Here are a few favorite recipes that’ll tackle your taste buds.  Continue Reading

Patience, confidence … and risotto

I’ve always heard that you should stir risotto constantly, but I found that to be somewhat exaggerated. Sure, each addition of broth should be stirred in, and you want to get things moving around the pan regularly – but don’t feel that you need to cement your feet next to the stove top for the duration.  Continue Reading

Sweet Summertime!

In short, I’m slowing down. I’m giving myself a break. I’m letting myself have some more fun. And I’m realizing how much I appreciate this pretty amazing life of mine. (Funny how that works, huh?) Here’s one of my favorite recipes this summer: Mojo Skewers.   Continue Reading

Passion, from farm gate to dinner plate

Passion. Inspiration. Integrity. An unwavering focus on quality. An insistence on delivering the best to the table. This unique and powerful partnership was celebrated recently at Charleston, S.C.’s noted Oak Steakhouse, where Chef Jeremiah Bacon welcomed Kevin and Lydia Yon, Angus farmers from nearby Ridge Spring, S.C., for an evening of exceptional food and celebration of their shared ground.  Continue Reading

Burger Bliss In Every Bite

I often find myself craving a humble hamburger, as long as it’s juicy and flavorful — our palates today are tempted by a dazzling array of choices. Whether it’s the fast-food joint on the corner or the white-tablecloth bistro downtown, burgers have gone gourmet.   Continue Reading

With Love, From the Oven

What I do love is sharing this recipe, this tradition and this experience with my mom, in our uber-exclusive cut-out-sugar-cookie club. That, and decorating them with colorful icing and the widest array of sprinkles I can muster. (Yes, I have a sprinkle collection ...  Continue Reading

Deep in the heart of a world-class barbecue

Demeris Barbecue, a family-owned Houston barbecue specialist since 1964, operates two restaurants year-round and an extensive catering division known for its quality menus and service. It’s also the culinary force behind the popular “Those Texans” tent at the Bar-B-Que, serving up a variety of tender and juicy Certified Angus Beef ® brand brisket, as well as spicy pork ribs, Texas-style sausage, and all the best bites on the side.  Continue Reading

A signature Taste of Texas

Would the promise of a behind-the-scenes experience at an iconic steakhouse do it for you? Imagine you could witness a steak cutting demonstration and an explanation of what makes certain cuts stand head and shoulders above the rest. Throw in a session explaining how quality beef is brought to the table, from farm gate to dinner plate. Add some Texas history and local lore, and finish the day with a grilling class and taste testing. Just for good measure, what if a premium steak lunch was to conclude the day?  Continue Reading

Get lucky!

Take corned beef. If you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at all, chances are you’re serving, or eating, this seasonal favorite. It’s kind of like pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving or hard-boiled eggs at Easter. You can find, and enjoy, these things year-round, but there’s definitely a peak season to indulge!  Continue Reading

Surf and Turf – classic, elegant, simple

In my mind, surf and turf — that classic pairing of steak and lobster — is reserved for a restaurant. (A swanky one, with an old-school cool factor.) It’s definitely not the kind of thing I’d whip up on a Thursday night for the kiddos before soccer and basketball practice. But Valentine’s Day or another special occasion with my better half? Hmmmm… bring on the cattle and crustaceans!  Continue Reading

Feeling chili – our best game day recipes

When the temperatures plummet, there’s nothing more satisfying than a bowl of red. This super bowl is my go-to choice, whether I’m planning a casual winter get-together (hello, game day!) or a regular Tuesday evening dinner (thank you, slow cooker). Providing warmth and spice, I find it satisfying in ways that no other dish can …   Continue Reading

Finding comfort in the kitchen

You would think that after decades of practice (no, I’m not going to say how many!) I would be used to the realities of wintertime in a Northern state. Alas, this is not the case. Those who are nearest and dearest to me will attest — my mood is directly correlated with the temperatures. When …   Continue Reading

Standing Rib Roast

“Splurge” has come to be kind of a taboo word, implying excess and irresponsibility. But, if you think carefully at what a splurge is truly supposed to mean — an occasional indulgence to be savored — it suddenly seems a lot better. In my book, that’s what the holiday season is all about. Mind you, …   Continue Reading

Tenderloin Roast with Horseradish Sauce

Our 12 Roasts of Christmas cooking series continues with this elegant tenderloin roast. Try other recipes and roasting tips! My husband, Jon, says the day I started to work for the Certified Angus Beef ® brand was the second happiest day of his life. We’re beef-eaters, you see, and he is a year-round grilling enthusiast. With …   Continue Reading

German Pot Roast with Mushroom Leek Sauce

One of my favorite childhood holiday memories is the savory aroma of the celebratory feast permeating from Mom’s kitchen. It spread to every corner of the house and encouraged us to gather round the table with anticipation. To this day, the smell of a holiday roast takes me back to my childhood and those magical …   Continue Reading

Tacos with a twist

Autumn makes me want to gather family and friends for a fabulous meal, and with the help of a friend I did just that! We hosted a party with excellent food, wonderful company and festive beverages — a Fall Fiesta complete with Margaritas and tacos. Here’s how we did it … A Mexican Fiesta in 5 Simple Steps …   Continue Reading