September's Top 5 Story Ideas
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1. National Cheeseburger Day (September 18th)
Cheeseburgers and paradise—a combination with songs dedicated to it. If you can’t manage an escape this September 18th, bring paradise home and celebrate National Cheeseburger Day with a variety of cheeseburger recipes from the beef checkoff! After all, according to a recent study, 66% of people polled said grilling at home is like a staycation.1
Change up your cheeseburger with the Garlic Herb Cheeseburger or serve a side of attitude with some Caprese Polenta Burgers. If you’re in the mood to celebrate the cheeseburger, but not craving a burger, change it up with Cheeseburger Mac.
1. IPSOS Public Affairs for the beef checkoff, July 2010
2. Beef and Mushrooms: A Perfect Pairing
Romeo and Juliet, Rock n’ Roll, beef and mushrooms—some things are meant to be together. September is National Mushroom Month, so celebrate the classic duo with great beef and mushroom recipes from the beef checkoff.
To kick off the mushroom and beef celebration start with these two-of-a-kind recipes: Mushroom Merlot Burger or Beef, Pepper & Mushroom Kabobs. Feel free to take your beef and mushroom pairing inside with Easy Steak Diane.
3. Beefing Up the Boomer’s Muscle Bank
Lean beef can help you power up for the good life and age vibrantly! Remind your boomer readers to “Beef Up” their muscle banks during September, which is Healthy Aging month.
The protein in beef helps to stimulate muscle growth, which is critical to helping older Americans live well and independently as they age. Also, scientific research has indicated that eating enough protein-rich food is essential to help protect lean body mass and prevent sarcopenia, a little known yet critically debilitating condition that contributes to muscle loss due to aging. In addition to building muscle, protein contributes to adequate bone health because bones need enough protein to reach their peak performance.
The following fact sheets have additional information on the positive health benefits that protein can promote amongst aging Americans and dietary protein’s impact on overall health and independence.
Power Up For the Good Life with Lean Beef
Lean Protein Can Help People Live Well and Age Vibrantly
4. Game Day (Tailgating) Chili Your Way
As fall approaches, we can’t help but think about how to prep for the big game. Whether you’re having friends over or you’re tailgating in the parking lot, you’ll need food that really scores.
Intercept our five-ingredient Beef Chili Five Ways. The recipe for the classic favorite is sure to please the heartiest of linemen. But just in case you’re looking for something more like a quarterback sneak we’ve got Mexican, Italian, Cincinnati and Moroccan versions too. No matter which play you choose, you’ll never have too many men on the field—each recipe only adds a few basic ingredients to the base to deliver unique ethnic variations.
So throw on your favorite jersey and invite some friends over. No matter which chili you choose, you’ve got the perfect pre-game warm-up ready to serve.
5. Fall Back on Beef: Comfort Food and Cooking Tips
The transition to fall is the perfect time to enjoy warm, hearty meals from the slow cooker or oven. The Beef Checkoff has developed an easy cheat sheet for 3 Easy Steps to Braising and Stewing that can be downloaded for quick reference. The slow cooking method of braising beef is an important technique for less-tender cuts of beef.
Step 1: Lightly coat with seasoned flour (optional). Slowly brown beef on all sides in small amount of oil in heavy pan over medium heat. Pour off drippings. Season beef, if desired.
Step 2: Add liquid, such as broth, water, juice, beer and/or wine, to pan. Add herbs or seasonings, as desired. Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
Step 3: Cover tightly and simmer gently over low heat on top of the range, or in a preheated 325ºF oven, according to timetable or until beef is fork-tender. (It is not necessary to turn pot roast or steak over during cooking.) When the beef is done, it can be removed from the pan and kept warm while the cooking liquid may be thickened or reduced, as desired.
Please contact kfreeman@beef.org to obtain high resolution images and full recipes.
For more story ideas please see our Seasonal Story Ideas section.
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