View from the Cab: Enjoy beef in May

By: Kent Casson

Who doesn’t love a nice steak?  Or perhaps a slice of prime rib?

This is widely known as “May Beef Month” which is a great excuse to spread the message of beef across Illinois.

The Illinois Beef Association recently provided a news release which made me a little hungry, as they provided various recipe ideas during special events in May involving beef. I must admit a nice juicy burger with tomato and onion freshly off the grill sounds pretty good.

May’s most celebrated holidays and events are the perfect way to utilize beef-heavy recipes to serve guests.

For all of you Kentucky Derby fans, the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich is a classic. It’s actually a twist on the classic cheesy bourbon hot brown skillet dip. A perfect appetizer idea is apricot dipping sauce with mini meatballs.

On Cinco de Mayo, impress your family with a special dinner of Mexican beef stew over Chipotle sweet potato mashers, an appetizer of Mexican beef sopes and a side of easy Mexican beef sausage cornbread muffins.

If your church will gather May 7 for National Day of Prayer or you are hosting a dinner, beefy shepherd’s pie or lazy beef lasagna will fit perfectly in a 9x13 pan.

One of the most important days in May celebrates mothers. Show your mom or grandmother how much you appreciate them with a meal they will always remember. They may enjoy a brunch dish of spicy beef chorizo strata or something a bit lighter such as a champagne steak salad with blue cheese.

Memorial Day marks a celebration of thankfulness for those who have given their lives for our country and is also recognized as the unofficial start to the summer season. It is the day many fire up their grills for summer and burgers are a great idea! Burgers like zesty barbecue cheeseburgers, Thai burgers or garlic herb cheeseburgers are the perfect way to kick-off summer.

Excuse me while I head out to the grill and put a few burgers on for the family. Happy May Beef Month!