Author: Jennifer Kiko

Jennifer lives on a rural route with her husband, kids, horses, cows and faithful Labs, Cash and Carter. She's an aspiring foodie and enjoys making good food for great friends. She lives next door to a winery, plays the piano, and admits to growing too many tomatoes.

A Few of Our Favorite Recipes

In the quest (both personal and professional) to find new recipes, I've met some truly sensational blogger friends who know how to make the most amazing beef dishes — in the oven, on the stove, sizzling on the grill and in a slow cooker. Their photos are gorgeous, their recipes spectacular, and the food? You be the judge. I'm positive you'll be pleased!  Continue Reading

Beef 101: Gettin’ Saucy

It's roasting season! While chestnuts over an open fire sound delightful, I prefer something with a little more substance ... like a tenderloin roast with horseradish cream sauce. A beef roast by itself is a beautiful thing, but there's nothing wrong with gettin' a little saucy — enhance the flavors and the presentation of your main dish!   Continue Reading

Beef 101: There’s An App for That

'Tis the season to talk turkey, but I'd rather talk appetizers — specifically, beef appetizers. Most of us will be served the bird on Thanksgiving, but there are no rules (I checked!) that say you can't enjoy a little steak, too. After all, it's a day to be thankful. I'm betting the pilgrims would have loved to add a slice of sizzling beef to their list of blessings!  Continue Reading

Chef Peter’s Garlic Chili Rub

These tender, juicy cuts of beef had been rubbed with a mixture of garlic, chili powder and brown sugar — yum! Always seeking flavorful secrets from these fine culinary folks, I asked the chefs to share the recipe. Here it is ... Chef Peter's Garlic & Chili Rub.   Continue Reading

Beef 101: Roasting Temperatures

The holidays are approaching and I’ve begun planning our Christmas dinner menu. A beef roast will take center stage on our family table. To ensure it’s just right, I asked Chef Michael Ollier for a few tips and roasting techniques. When it comes to temperature, he says to begin with high heat, then cook it …   Continue Reading

Beef 101: Glazes

Serve a holiday feast that's simply spectacular. Salt and pepper is all you need to season a roast, but prepare a glaze and gift your taste buds with sensational flavor!  Continue Reading

Holiday Appetizer: Sirloin on Endive

This simple, yet stunningly delicious appetizer will delight your holiday guests. It combines the rich, beefy flavors of a perfectly grilled sirloin steak with the creamy tang of blue cheese, and the crisp crunch of fresh endive. Top with a pecan for a bit more bite.  Continue Reading

Leaky Cauldron Stew

Create an air of spooky mystery on trick-or-treat night with Leaky Cauldron Stew. This rich, beefy soup features cubes of round steak, beef broth, elbow macaroni and crushed tomatoes. It’s the perfect thing to warm your little ghosts and goblins after a chilly night of haunting the neighborhood. Find a plastic cauldron and serve this …   Continue Reading

Beef 101: Roasting Beef

We look forward to roasting season every year. It’s a time to gather friends and family around the dinner table, enjoy a feast and converse over large chunks of our favorite protein — beef. This year we decided to teach you everything you need to know about beef in our weekly Beef 101 series. We …   Continue Reading

Classic Meatballs

Classic Meatballs are a family favorite. Serve them on pasta or individually as appetizers. However you enjoy them, be sure to try this recipe from the Certified Angus Beef ® brand kitchens. It's sure to be a favorite!  Continue Reading

Beef 101: Braising

Braising is a combination of cooking methods that uses both moist and dry heat. Usually, beef is seared at a high temperature to attain a caramelized crust (dry heat), then finished in a covered pot with a liquid at a lower temperature.   Continue Reading

Taste of Italy From the Grill

Burgers are a grillmeister's blank canvas and we all have our favorites. I happen to enjoy a blue cheese-lovin' Scots-Irish palate, but why not mix it up! The Italian Burger is literally packed with herbs, and topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella.   Continue Reading

Fall Flavor Under Wraps

I’m always searching for lunch ideas — something delicious and nutritious, but I want lots of flavor, too. This Barbecue and Cider Slaw Wrap recipe is perfect. The main ingredient — flat iron steak — is grilled (or pan seared if you prefer), slathered in barbecue sauce, and then loaded into a wrap with apple …   Continue Reading

Beef 101: Prepare the Perfect Roast

The humble beef roast has a reputation for sitting center stage on Sunday dinner tables, but I daresay it should be considered the new kid on the chopping block. I’m not suggesting you prepare a roast like Mom used to make (no offense, Mom!) Today’s beef roast can be savory or sweet, spicy or simply …   Continue Reading

Beef 101: Sirloin

They don't come with a cowboy claim to fame like ribeyes or a New York state-of-mind like the strip steak. They're not lauded for their buttery texture like filet mignon ... but sirloin steaks are flavorful and kind to your budget.  Continue Reading

I’m A Wrapper

Midsummer lunch menus can be a challenge. One, because I'm busy doing other things and usually forget to plan ahead. Two, because it's hot! Who wants to cook?! I've found a simple solution for midday woes, though, and now my lunch plans are all wrapped up.  Continue Reading

Making Your Mark On the World

We're achievers, go-getters, doers. We like to make our mark on the world. And whether we're talking luggage or license plates, or even our own kitchens, customization pleases us. It's that bit of something extra — a mark of quality, that speaks volumes.  Continue Reading