Get Your Beef On: It's a Giveaway!

There's a running joke in our family; whenever my mom and I are out dining somewhere together and someone politely asks "is there anything you don't eat?" we both laugh and say "unfortunately, no!" It's true - we love food. And that love includes beef. Some of my favorite foods are beef dishes: steak frites, minute steak, hamburgers, spaghetti bolognese, french onion soup {with beef stock}, did I mention hamburgers?? I'm a firm believer that while chicken, fish and pork are all great sources of protein, nothing compares to beef.

I have a diverse background. My parents are from the Caribbean and I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and Miami, Florida. The combination of experiences led me to appreciate an array of foods, including some to-die-for beef dishes. Here are some of my all-time faves:

photo credit: apt316.ca

Beef Roti

Roti is a traditional Trinidadian dish, made with your choice of meat, potatoes and curry wrapped in a light pastry dough, after which the dish is named. The original recipe is, of course, made with chunks of beef (or goat). My memories of this dish range from tagging along with my Dad to his favorite roti shop in Miami, to hanging out with friends and listening to the latest soca jam in front of the best roti shop in Montreal. Both scenarios ended the same way: with me licking the curry off of my fingers after devouring a hot beef roti. To this day, when my sister and I reminisce about our favorite foods, roti is probably the first one that comes to mind.

Also from my "Growing Up Caribbean Files:" Beef Patties, Beef Pelau, and Oh Lord, Vaca Frita! I could eat this EVERY DAY.

Steak Frites

This past Saturday, I met with my Junior League group for lunch at a french restaurant. Well, I skipped breakfast (a no-no, I know) because I just knew what I was going to order before I even stepped foot inside the place: Steak Frites. Done right, this dish takes no prisoners. A perfectly cooked cut of steak, prepared with a choice of sauce (from butter to bernaise to red wine to blue cheese) and topped with crispy fries. Delicieuse! As a matter of fact, I was several bites into my steak before I remembered to take a picture for this post! LOL.

Other notables from my days in Montreal: Poutine {made with beef stock}, Smoked Meat Sandwiches, and Tortiere {French-Canadian meat pie}.

So you see, beef has been an integral part of my upbringing and I try to continue to expose my family to tasty beef recipes. Make sure to check my "What's for Dinner" menu plan on our sidebar for ideas every now and then.

Now it's your turn!

In celebration of "I Heart Beef Month," you can enter to win a $100 gift card to Omaha Steaks! {Can't you just hear Kelly Ripa's voice in the back of your head?} All you have to do is the following:

1. Visit the Beef, It's What's for Dinner website. It's chock-full of helpful preparation tips, meal ideas and even video demos on how you can get your beef on.

2. Share your favorite memories of making everyday occasions special with beef. The person who leaves the most heartfelt and fun comment wins. Please include in your comment something that you found helpful on the BIWFD website.

3. Tweet this post using the #IHeartBeef hashtag.

4. Follow this blog {check out the Followers widget on our sidebar}.

But wait! There's more. Chef David Zino, executive chef of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association will be answering your questions about beef preparation and cooking. If you have a question for an expert, now's your chance. Just leave it in the comments and I'll submit it on your behalf or you can post them here.

Bon Appetit!

FYI: I wrote this review while working on a "I Heart Beef" campaign with TheMotherhood.com on behalf of The National Cattlemen's Beef Association.