Steak out the grill for summer entertaining

The summertime is grilling time. As days get warmer and longer grilling seems the logical answer to combining our love for the outdoors and passion for good food. Fresh produce and savory beef combine for great meals that work on weeknights as well as at weekend cookouts and backyard parties.

Steaks on the grill are practically a rite of summer. They can be simply seasoned with salt and pepper, or easily enhanced with quick glazes, marinades or a sprinkling of fresh herbs. Dress up lean and tender beef top loin steaks, also called strip steaks, with a full-flavored glaze of coarse Dijon-style mustard, black pepper and garlic complemented by the subtle sweetness of apple juice.

Choose favorite summer vegetables to grill alongside the Mustard- Pepper Beef Steaks, such as tomato halves, corn on the cob, colorful peppers, asparagus, leeks and even fennel. It’s a simple summer supper al fresco, perfect for guests with no mess and no fuss.

To complete this grilled meal, cut pineapple wedges, peach or nectarine halves and sliced pound cake and quickly grill over low heat. A side scoop of cooling vanilla ice cream, freshly churned if time allows, and another summer day ends with a great summer meal.

Also see: steak marinade

Author Notes:

Martin Collins contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-steaks.com. Great tips on buying top quality meats, steaks and seafood from the finest ranchers and butchers.