Mom Update: Beef, Grilling, and 4th of July Plans

You might have read in a previous blog post that I’m BACK in the beef world, working as the Director of Nutrition and Consumer Communications for the Michigan Beef Industry Commission [MBIC]. What’s great about my role with the MBIC is that my two worlds as Mom and registered dietitian nutritionist have perfectly collided: I’m advocating for a food that not only is a nutritional powerhouse, but it’s something my entire family will eat- without complaints. That my friends, is a MOM-WIN!

First day in the office at the MBIC and I found the play food! No, really. I think I spend way too much time in Lily’s play kitchen because of the joy this pretend burger brought me!

So, to give you a taste of my work life/mom life thing [oh how I wish blog posts were really free food samples], I wanted to shed some light on the latest and greatest project underway at the MBIC: “United We Steak.”

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission is partnering with Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., funded by the Beef Checkoff, to launch “United We Steak,” a new summer grilling campaign showcasing 50 steaks and all 50 states. “United We Steak” celebrates not only a shared tradition of grilling delicious steaks, but also what makes each state unique when it comes to this beloved pastime. The idea comes to life at UnitedWeSteak.com with an interactive map of the United States made from 50 hand-cut state-shaped steaks. The interactive map is packed full of grilling spirit, state-specific recipes and fun facts that can help consumers nationwide “beef up” grilling season this summer.

I’m a Michigan-girl at heart and was smitten with our mitten of a steak.

Not from Michigan? No worries! Click here to look at other states and steak recipes!

In an effort to jump right into grilling season and join others across the nation in this campaign, here is one of my favorite Michigan-specific recipes developed for “United We Steak,” Beef Steak Salad with Dried Cherries.

Here’s my take on the above recipe. Balsamic dressing and extra Michigan cherries included!

Ready to get your grill-on? I know I am! As I mentioned before, my worlds are certainly colliding, so stay tuned as I’m going to be participating in the “United We Steak” campaign right here on Mom to Mom Nutrition. What you’ll see in the next few weeks are some tasty AND healthy grilling recipes, a giveaway or two, and yep, you guessed it, some cute pics of my fearless foursome eating their favorite protein.

Recipe for THE BEST Grilled Strip Steaks with Mushrooms [pictured] is one of my family’s favorite steak dinners!

In the meantime, you can find more beef grilling inspiration and information can be found at United We Steak and BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. As always, I hope you and your family have a safe, healthy, and happy Fourth of July! If you’re lighting the grill like I plan on doing, be sure to tag MomtoMomNutrition and MiBeef on Instagram, and use the hashtags #UnitedWeSteak, #BeefFarmersandRanchers, or #BeefItsWhatsForDinner to be featured during this campaign!

Disclosure: I collaborated with the Michigan Beef Industry Commission [@MiBeef] on behalf of the Beef Checkoff [@BeefCheckoff] to introduce you to the “United We Steak” campaign.