Summer is quickly approaching, and while that means more leisure time with family and friends, it also means you have more time to plan a smashing summer fundraiser for your community. Whether you're raising money for your child's sports team, band, or community arts program, the summertime is the best time to plan a fundraiser for your organization.

Summer fundraisers are a great way to keep families engaged, involved, and informed on what needs to progress and what is successful in campaigns. 

Combining summertime fun with fundraising is a perfect way to bring the community together and develop relationships. Planning a fundraiser event can be tricky, but luckily, we have the perfect tips for hosting a successful summer fundraiser to help ease your mind.

Develop a Plan and Prioritize Your To-Do List

Thoughtful planning and organization are critical to a successful event. Start this process by identifying your goal and how you want to reach the goal. What is the primary purpose of this event? You want to set your goals high, but they should still be obtainable and realistic. 

Next, you should decide on what type of fundraiser you're planning. Do you want to hold this fundraiser at a restaurant or the local park, or do you want to plan a traditional car wash? The choice is yours! Whichever route you choose, you want to ensure the venue ties into your story, theme, and purpose of the fundraiser. 

Summer fundraiser ideas you can use include and are not limited to:

• Local music festival fundraiser
• BBQ cookout fundraiser 
• Ice cream party at the party fundraiser
• Movies at the park fundraiser
• Community pool or beach party fundraiser

Create a Creative Marketing Campaign

After developing a plan for your fundraiser, you want to spread the word throughout your community and neighboring communities. Combining digital and traditional marketing is key when spreading the word cohesively across all platforms to ensure it reaches all ages and demographics. 

It's essential to promote your event as much as possible to people outside of your existing supporters to help spread the word and awareness of the cause. 

You can boost your fundraiser by adding the event to your organization's web page and social media, encouraging your friends and community members to spread the word, or teaming up with your local parks and rec officials.

Socialize and Partner With Local Businesses

Use your organization's marketing presence to connect with other local or neighboring community businesses to help spread awareness for your fundraising event while uplifting local small businesses-helping boost revenue for your community!

Partnering with various local businesses will allow different demographics to participate in your fundraising event and bring more significant groups of people together to bond over similarities and build professional or personal relationships. This is a great way to promote the togetherness within the community for other fundraising events.

Have a Large Variety of Food & Drinks

Piggybacking off socializing with local businesses, you should provide a variety of foods from local restaurants or family-owned businesses for a successful summer fundraiser. When outside in the hot sun, you're working up an appetite from socializing and advocating all day.

Have food trucks that can cater to your demographic and provide a variety of choices. Reach out to local restaurants and ask if they would want to come out to your fundraiser to provide food for the participants, and ask if they would donate a small amount of their proceeds to your fundraiser. This way, the local business will get exposure, and your fundraiser will have a more significant crowd because everyone loves good food.

However, if you don't have enough space for food trucks, you can have an old-fashioned cookout! Hosting a BBQ fundraiser is a traditional summer fundraiser event that is successful time and time again. You can host a chilly contest, a grill-off, or a hot dog eating contest! While people wait or watch the competition unfold, they eat the delicious foods provided. 

We recommend providing a nice batch of Wagyu beef sausages to provide the best for your top donators. Your top contributors deserve the absolute best for donating to your cause, and what's a better way to thank them than letting them get a taste of this luxurious meat?

Our Wagyu beef sausages are made with a unique blend of our flat iron, filet mignon, brisket, striploin, ribeye, and ground beef to create an even richer taste. We guarantee they will fall in love at first bite. 

Provide Activities for People of All Ages

No matter the size, all nonprofit organizations rely on donations to fund their service. Having creative and fun activities at your fundraisers for people of all ages to enjoy will help maximize participation, inspire potential donors, and motivate action.

You want your fundraiser event to feel like a community fun event while still enforcing your purpose. Setting up an arts and crafts section or having giant versions of connect four and Jenga are great ways to get your participants excited about being there.

You can even have a table set up for a bake sale, where people can donate for the chance to taste the sweet treats or host a photo contest to help engage attendees and build brand awareness. 

Thank Your Donors

The donors are why your community's organization is up and running, so it's essential to thank them and make them feel appreciated. You can thank them on your website, through your social media, or send handwritten letters thanking them for their contribution and saying how grateful you are for their donation. 

In this letter of gratitude, include your next steps for the organization to reassure them of your goals and future plans. This way, when your next event comes around, they are more likely to donate and participate. 

Event planning can be painful and overwhelming, especially if you have a small team or alone. Your next fundraiser event will be a summer bash by using our tips, having patience, being diligent, and planning effectively! 

Our team at Lone Mountain Wagyu can provide meats for your next fundraiser event to ensure you serve only high-quality meats from our family-owned ranch. We can reassure you that our Wagyu is top-notch and rich with a buttery flavor. Check out our online store for your next bite!

There are so many fad diets that only focus on weight loss and include bland and unenjoyable foods. However, a high-protein, low-carb diet is an effective dietary plan that focuses more on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Let’s take a deeper look into the benefits of a high-protein, low-carb diet and how you can work it into your lifestyle!

What Is a High-Protein, Low-Carb Diet?

Our body uses carbohydrates as a primary source of energy. With fewer carbs in your system, the body breaks the fat down into ketones. The ketones will become the main source of fuel, which will drive your metabolism up. A high-protein, low-carb diet encourages switching out your daily carbs for lean protein to help boost weight loss and increase energy. 

Common Benefits

A low-carb diet combined with a high-protein diet offers numerous advantages that come with weight loss. Review these benefits of a high-protein, low-carb diet to determine if this diet will work well for you. 

• You’ll build and maintain muscle mass
• You’ll feel fuller for a longer periods
• It reduces the risk of heart disease
• You’re more likely to choose healthier foods
• It helps you regulate your blood sugar levels
• It may help prevent bone loss in older adults

Tasty Meals

This type of diet has numerous options and fantastic flavor combinations to keep things interesting and exciting. Below are five tasty and versatile foods you can add to your diet!

Steak

What if we told you that you could enjoy steak guilt-free while on a high-protein, low-carb diet? You could have carne asada, Asian steak salad, or a low-carb steak breakfast hash! Steak is so versatile and pairs great with anything. 

Eggs

You can eat eggs for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eggs are full of nutrients and taste great whether you scramble, fry, or hard-boil them for a quick snack!

Plain Greek Yogurt

Creamy with a slightly tangy taste, Greek yogurt is delicious by itself or paired with fruit. You can also use plain greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream or a base for dressings and smoothies.

Salmon

Salmon has no carbs and is a great energy source because it contains high amounts of vitamin B12. Broil, bake, air-fry, or poach your salmon, and serve it with roasted veggies for a well-balanced meal. 

Tofu

Tofu is an excellent source of protein for people who practice other dietary lifestyles, such as vegans and vegetarians. Stir-fry your tofu with vegetables for a delicious dinner or lunch. You can season it any way you like, but we recommend trying garlic-ginger tofu.

If you’re considering this diet, check with your doctor or nutritionist to see if it’s a good choice for you. Develop a plan that ensures you get enough fruits and vegetables. This diet plan is easy to maintain if you allow yourself to discover new food options high in protein but low in carbs. 

We have the top selection of wagyu steak online to order at any time. Kick off your diet with a tender piece of wagyu ribeye or wagyu ground beef today at Lone Mountain Wagyu!

Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and gives you energy throughout the day to help you stay focused and productive. For most people, their daily breakfast is a cup of tea or coffee, and they are on their way. 

However, eating a balanced breakfast can promote a healthy heart, regulate digestion, and improve dietary guidelines. Steak and eggs is one of the most all-American breakfasts someone could cook. This hearty breakfast has been a staple in America for over 70 years and reigns supreme as the most filling, energizing, and tasty breakfast. 

If you’re looking for new breakfast meat to add to your lineup, here are the reasons why you should eat steak for breakfast.

The History of Steak & Eggs

The history of steak for breakfast begins in the early to mid-twentieth century, when steak and eggs were considered Australia’s national dish. Although American and English newspapers mentioned the dish in the mid-nineteenth century, steak and eggs were strongly associated with Australia and considered an Australian dish by World War II. 

However, in the 1940s, the United States Marine Corps took notes and made steak and eggs their pre-landing breakfast. The military eventually enjoyed the hearty breakfast more than the Australians because there was often a short supply of eggs. The eggs left were given to those who needed them most. The meat was rationed, and Australians were encouraged to eat mutton instead of beef. This forced restaurants in Australia to remove steak and eggs from their menus. 

After World War II, steak and eggs became increasingly popular in the 1960s. NASA served astronaut Alan Shepard this breakfast before he became the first American to travel to space. Since then, this breakfast has become a tradition for astronauts to eat for the last six decades. 

Why Should You Eat This Hearty Breakfast?

The most famous steak breakfast, steak and eggs, is a zero-carb, filling, and nourishing breakfast consisting of two ingredients. However, various breakfast dishes are flavorful, unique, and suit anyone’s taste preferences. If you are looking for a delicious way to start your day, here are a few reasons why you should eat steak for breakfast. 

Start Your Day With Protein

Protein is one of the essential additions to ensure a balanced diet. Protein helps build and repair tissue, keep hair and fingernails solid and healthy, and create hormones and enzymes. 

Starting your day off with a hearty serving of protein helps stabilize your blood sugar, keep your body strong, and curb mid-morning snacking.

However, the recommended amount of protein you should eat in the morning is about 25 grams, which is the equivalent of five eggs. But not everyone wants to eat five eggs first thing in the morning. 

Instead, you can enjoy Wagyu steak with two eggs and breakfast potatoes for the same amount of protein but with a rich and buttery taste. 

Begin Your Day in a Better Mood

Because steak has high fat and protein, your body will be satisfied longer, reducing your need to snack. The protein from the steak minimizes the level of a hormone named ghrelin which contributes to our cranky moods. So when you are finished with your steak breakfast, you will be full and happy!

Promotes Muscle Growth

Most people know that protein helps with maintaining and promoting muscle growth. A high protein diet will help keep and build muscle mass. If you are trying to gain muscle but lose weight, adding steak and eggs to your breakfast lineup may be best.

Steak Goes Well With Any Morning Meal

There are more breakfast combinations with steak other than steak and eggs. If steak and eggs isn’t something you’re interested in, you can create your own breakfast combo or opt for a classic Wagyu beef sausage! You can pair this protein with anything from hash browns or tortillas and avocado.

The Ultimate Steak & Eggs Recipe

Steak and eggs is a savory dish packed with protein, and it is very simple to make! All you need is:

• Your steak of choice (we recommend Wagyu ribeye)
• Two eggs
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to settle to room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. After the steak has acclimated, rub the steak with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika.

Place your cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat, and once the pan heats up, add your steak to the pan. If you are cooking Wagyu ribeye, you should sear your meat for only 3 minutes on each side. However, if you are cooking a thick NY strip, cook your steak until it forms a golden crust for about 8 minutes, and only flip it once. Ensure that your steak has an internal temperature of 120–130 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming it.

Once your steak is done, place it to the side and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to seep into the meat. When you are waiting for your steak to finish resting, make your eggs any way you like, and enjoy!

Other Steak Breakfast Ideas

There are many simple ways to eat steak for a delicious morning meal. If eating steak and eggs is not for you, but you are tired of bagels and oatmeal, here are other ways to incorporate steak into your breakfast.

• Steak breakfast tacos
• Steak, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich
• Philly cheesesteak omelet
• Steak, egg, and hash browns bowl
• Breakfast casserole with steak

Including steak in your diet to start your day has many benefits besides it being flavorful. Adding this protein to your diet in the morning can help give you the energy to stay productive. It also gives you an incredible number of vitamins and nutrients and helps you gain muscle. At Lone Mountain Wagyu, we are always ready to try new ways to incorporate this delicious beef into our diets. 

Make the first meal of the day count by checking out our online store for high-quality Wagyu beef! From ground beef to sausages to steak to sampler packs, we have anything and everything to ensure a flavorsome and savory experience.

Summer is right around the corner, which calls for cookouts, grilling, and smoked meats. If you love smoked short ribs but can’t get them perfectly juicy and tender, fear not—we have five tips for smoking delicious Wagyu beef short ribs to help you wow your guests with the tastiest short ribs in town. 

Take Your Meat Out of the Fridge Before Cooking

When you’re cooking any meat, the best practice is to take your meat out of the fridge an hour or two prior to cooking it. This way, the meat’s internal temperature will be closer to the cooking temperature before you add it to the smoker, which lessens the cooking time and keeps your meat moist.

Use Dry Rub or Brine

About two hours before cooking or the day before, rub or dry-brine your short ribs with your favorite marinade or half a teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of meat. This will also help your meat retain moisture while it’s in the smoker. 

Smoke Slow & Low

You have heard the quote, “Slow and steady wins the race.” The same goes for smoking short ribs. Slow and low is vital; don’t get too eager. You don’t want to cook at too high of a temperature because it will dry out your meat. Also, be mindful of what’s in your marinade or dry rub; if your rub contains sugar, keep in mind that sugar burns quickly under high temperatures. 

Know the Different Types of Woods

Different woods go well with various meats, so you should also know which wood will pair well with your meat. Woods such as hickory or oak work well with poultry, beef, and pork. Mesquite is a heavier, richer wood that goes nicely with everything if you don’t use too much of it.

Allow Your Meat To Rest

When you’re smoking Wagyu short ribs, the last and most essential step is to allow the meat to rest after cooking it. We know not diving in immediately is hard, but allowing your short ribs to rest will redistribute the juices. Wrap your short ribs in foil and let them sit for about 15 minutes before getting a bite. 

Perfecting your smoked short ribs takes time and patience. By using our five tips for smoking delicious Wagyu beef short ribs, you’ll become the family pitmaster in no time! 

At Lone Mountain Wagyu, we have a wide selection of exceptional Wagyu meats. Our Wagyu beef sampler also features a variety of meats for you and your family to try, from steaks to sausage patties. This allows you to explore new cuts, taste high-quality beef, and explore new ways to prepare your meat for the next family get-together.

Be honest, are you getting enough protein in your diet? Protein plays a significant role in creating and upkeeping every cell in your body. While you may watch your sugar, salt, and calorie intake, you should also ensure you’re eating enough protein.

Your body needs protein to help keep your bones, muscles, cartilage, and skin firm. Protein contains amino acids that act as the building blocks in your body, helping build and repair tissue and move oxygen throughout your body.

Suppose you’re on a journey to feeling satisfied after eating, gaining muscle, maintaining strong and healthy bones, and fueling your immune system. In that case, you should consider making it a priority to include protein in your daily diet. Protein has many health benefits and tasty options for you to try. Keep reading to discover the foods with the highest amount of protein to include in your diet.

Benefits of Protein

If you have ever talked to a dietitian or someone on a diet, you have heard them talk about protein intake and how important protein is. While many people know that protein is essential in their diets, what is protein?

The protein we eat comprises various amino acids that fuel our body, allowing us to function. So when you digest that juicy wagyu burger, your body breaks it down to absorb the protein, and the cells use the protein to operate.

Protein has many health benefits, and people often associate it with muscle growth. However, protein has more benefits than that, including:

• Reducing the risk of high blood pressure
• Keeping the immune system healthy and functioning
• Reducing the chance of developing sarcopenia (loss of skeletal muscle—age-related)
• Supporting recovery from injuries
• Building lean muscle

You should include protein in your diet to support your overall health and wellness. However, that does not mean overindulging in substantial amounts of protein. The amount of protein you should include in your diet depends on your age, weight, and health status. Health officials recommend most healthy adults eat 46-56 grams of protein per day.

Foods With High Protein

Protein is in many foods you’re already eating, and while you can find protein in foods like vegetables and rice, there is only a tiny amount. Other foods can fuel your body when paired with an overall healthy diet. Here are seven foods with the highest amount of protein to help you find the best foods for your new health journey.

Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter is an excellent plant-based protein source. There are 7 grams of protein per two tablespoons. Consider enjoying a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich or creating a peanut salad dressing! If peanut butter is not your favorite, other types of nut butter or seed butter provide a similar amount of protein.

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile staple in many people’s dinner rotation. Chicken packs a lot of protein, with 27 grams per three-ounce serving of skinless chicken breast. Make a simple pesto chicken with salad or homemade chicken noodle soup to get your daily protein intake.

Salmon

Salmon contains plenty of healthy fats that support heart health. However, this fish also contains a large amount of protein, with 19 grams of protein per three-ounce serving. Try making honey-garlic salmon with brown rice or baked salmon with a creamy lemon dill sauce.

Eggs

Eating eggs is an effortless way to get your daily protein intake. With 6 grams of protein per egg, you can get 12 grams of protein with two! You can include eggs in your salad or rice. Eat your eggs the way you enjoy them, whether hard-boiled, scrambled, or fried.

Lean Beef

Including beef in your diet will provide your body with protein and fuel. Lean beef has 22 grams of protein per three-ounce serving. Try making beef-based dishes, like beef stew, ground beef tacos, chili, or meatballs.

Here at Lone Mountain Wagyu, we have lean Wagyu ground beef for sale to help with your protein needs. Prepare your favorite comfort meals with our mouthwatering ground beef.

Pasta

Many people know pasta as a carb source, but one cup of cooked penne will give you 6 grams of protein! Top your pasta with a lean ground beef meat sauce, or enjoy a bowl of sausage and spinach pasta for even more tasty protein.

Lentils

Lentils are the ultimate plant-based protein source. From a comforting cup of vegan lentil soup to lentils with fried eggs, you can enjoy all the health benefits, one lentil at a time. Lentils have 18 grams of protein per cup. They also contain antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Easy Ways To Increase Protein Intake

If the food options above don’t appeal to you, there are other ways to add more protein to your diet. Other than including a high amount of protein in every meal, here are four alternative ways to improve your protein intake.

Add Nuts and Seeds to Everything

Surprising to some, nuts and seeds are high-protein foods that are great in salads, roasted vegetables, or oatmeal. By adding nuts and seeds to your everyday meals, you won’t even notice you’re increasing your protein intake!

Eat More Whole Grains

Whole grains have rich elements, including minerals, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. For example, cooked quinoa contains 8 grams of protein per cup. Try swapping your regular white rice for protein-rich grains, like couscous, wild rice, or buckwheat.

Snack on Cheese

Choosing healthy snacks is a fantastic way to add protein to your diet. Snacks like chips, pretzels, or crackers are low in protein and often don’t have many health benefits.

In contrast, snacking on a one-ounce serving of cheddar cheese will give you 7 grams of protein. Try enjoying a cheese stick between meals, or pair your cheese with whole-grain crackers or fruit for a healthy snack.

Eat Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is versatile and high in protein. Eating this creamy and rich yogurt will give you 17-20 grams of protein per seven ounces, twice that of traditional yogurt. Greek yogurt has a tangy flavor that pairs well with chopped fruit, or you can use Greek yogurt as a sauce or dip for lighter recipes.

Listen, if you have ever had your friends lecture you for ordering your steak well done, we’re sorry to tell you that they're right. If it were up to chefs, everyone would eat their steaks medium-rare. Before you exit, hear us out on why you shouldn't cook your steak well done. 

The Meat Gets Tough

Hey, we're not saying order a rare bleeding steak. But getting a medium steak will give you the best melt-in-your-mouth experience. Medium-rare steaks are the best to eat because the proteins haven't broken down, but the fat rendered gives them that perfect juicy flavor. Cooking your steak at a high temperature will make you feel like you're chewing on rubber roots! 

It's Dangerous To Eat Well-Done Steak

Why shouldn't you cook your steak well done? Because the difference between the risk of contaminants when comparing rare to medium-well steaks is insignificant. Cooking your steak at rare (135 degrees Fahrenheit) is enough to kill bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. However, the high temperature it takes to cook your steak well done can cause a reaction that produces chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCA). Studies show that people who eat well-done steak over a long period are more prone to bladder cancer. 

You Ruin the Quality of the Steak

There are various ways to prepare other cuts of meat. However, you should tend to steaks delicately on the stove or grill. Steak producers carefully cut steaks so that they get a charred effect when cooked. From raising the cattle with love to preparing your steak, the entire process is by design. 

You Don't Get Your Money's Worth

You may be paying for a top-notch steak, but you don’t get your money's worth if you cook it well done. When you eat your steaks well done, they often taste the same. In other words, you can't tell the difference in flavor and ruin the entire experience of tasting luxury meats. As stated above, the entire process of preparing your steak from the field to the plate is by design.

One steak you don't have to worry about overcooking is Wagyu steak. Wagyu steaks cook fast because they're sliced into thin pieces. To cook wagyu steak, you only sear it for three to four minutes on each side or until it's medium-rare. If you want to experience the rich flavor of well-raised cattle, you should check out our Wagyu steak online store. Taste the flavor of a full-blood Wagyu!

Roast Wagyu beef is one of the most impressive centerpieces you can serve at family dinners or any occasion. We all remember when someone overcooked or under-seasoned the roast, and the entire family had to chew through it. Perfecting this dish is not easy, and it will take a few tries to get it right. Whether preparing for a family dinner or trying new recipes, here are six tricks to keep your roast wagyu beef tender and juicy.

What Is Wagyu Beef?

Wagyu beef is a Japanese beef cattle derived from Native Asian cattle. “Wa” means Japanese, and “gyu” means cow. People initially used Wagyu for their physical endurance. It’s a popular selection because of its marbling, which is a fantastic energy source.

Wagyu’s history in the United States began in 1975 when Morris Whitney shipped two red and two black Wagyu cattle to Colorado University for research. Wagyu Breeders Inc later purchased these four cattle.

Today, Wagyu is a popular choice for those who want a taste of luxurious, savory, and rich meat. Wagyu beef is healthy for you since it contains essential amino acids and may even lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other health conditions.

Six Tricks To Keep Your Roast Wagyu Beef Tender and Juicy

Wagyu roast beef is perfect for hosting with your loved ones or if you want to treat yourself to a hearty meal. Plus, roasted Wagyu doesn’t take as long as a regular roast. While the tender and juicy Wagyu beef slices will taste like it took a lot of work, it’s easy to make it once you get it! Here are six tricks to keep your roast wagyu beef tender and juicy.

Season Your Meat a Day Before

Don’t wait until the last minute to season your wagyu roast beef! Although wagyu beef doesn’t require much seasoning, it’s still best practice to allow your roast to marinate. Add salt and pepper to your roast, wrap it tightly, and let the salt work its magic. When you’re ready to cook, take out your roast for about an hour or two to allow the roast to get acclimated to room temperature.

Cook Your Meat a Day Before

For bigger roast cuts, it’s best to cook your meat the day before. The easiest way to achieve the most tender and juicy roast is reverse searing. Cook on high heat in a pan to give the outside a nice brown exterior and crisp. Then, transfer it to the oven the next day to finish cooking.

Let Your Roast Wagyu Rest

If you have a large roast cut, you’ll want to allow your roast to rest after cooking for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving. If you use the reverse sear method, allow your meat to rest for an extra 10 minutes. While resting, wrap your meat in foil to keep the surface fresh! Allowing your roast to rest will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of on the cutting board.

Try Not To Overcrowd the Pan

When cooking your roast, you want plenty of room. The more space in your pan, the better the roast will taste and smell. We recommend cooking your roast on a wire rack on a baking sheet and only turning it around once or twice during the cooking process.

Don’t Throw Out Your Pan Drippings

Keep your pan dripping! Pan drippings have leftover seasoning and juices from your meat. You can make the perfect homemade gravy with the leftover drippings. Get rid of the excess fat but make sure to scrape the drippings into a pot and add a cup of red wine, a little beef stock, and allow it to simmer. This is the best gravy for your roast wagyu beef!

Don’t Under-Season Your Roast

Have you ever had an under-seasoned roast, and did you enjoy it?

Don’t forget the salt when creating a rub for your wagyu roast since salt helps enhance the flavors of your roast. When seasoning your roast, you want to use a nice handful of salt and sprinkle it about eight inches above the roast to spread it throughout evenly.

Best Sides for Roast Wagyu Beef

You can eat roast wagyu beef on its own, but there’s nothing wrong with pairing your meal with a small side dish. Wagyu has a powerful and rich flavor on its own. When pairing your roast Wagyu, you want to choose dishes that complement its flavor and don’t overpower it. Here are four side dishes that will work perfectly with your roast.

Roasted Vegetables

If you have a bunch of lingering veggies in your fridge, this side dish is perfect for you. When preparing this side dish, remember to keep it simple so that you don’t overwhelm the taste of the roast Wagyu beef. Use fresh garlic, thyme, and balsamic vinegar when seasoning your vegetables.

Some vegetables we recommend are:

• Brussel sprouts
• Broccoli
• Red onion
• Carrots
• Squash

Fresh Arugula Salad

Arugula salad is a quick and easy side dish that can go with everything. It’s easily customizable, and you can add any dressing you like. We recommend adding cherry tomatoes, carrot ribbons, and parmesan with balsamic dressing for a vibrant and refreshing flavor.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes pair best with beef dinners. Make them from scratch or buy microwavable mashed potatoes, the world’s your oyster! If you decide to make your mashed potatoes from scratch, season them with fine sea salt throughout the process to avoid having a bland side dish.

If you’re looking to try something new, you should also try mashed sweet potatoes and add cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar for a sweeter taste.

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted Hasselback potatoes are a great side dish for a roast dinner because they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The slices should be about the same size (and as thick) as potato chips. Make sure your cuts are still attached to the base of the potato. You can add cheese, garlic, bacon, and herbs for a “loaded” Hasselback potato.

Beef cheeks have recently become popular. If you’re looking for ways to step away from red meat and try new flavors, allow us to introduce you to beef cheeks. Savory smoked beef cheeks are perfect for your spring cookout. If you’re curious about this type of meat, here are five reasons why you should be smoking beef cheeks.

What Are Beef Cheeks?

Beef cheeks are the facial cheek of the cattle. They are lightweight compared to other traditional smoking meats, weighing seven ounces. Also, this meat contains a thick strip of collagen, providing its signature sticky texture. 

Five Reasons To Smoke Beef Cheeks

Beef cheeks are a tender cut of meat perfect for comfort dishes. With increasing popularity, it’s becoming easier to get a hold of this unique cut! Beef cheeks have many benefits, financial and health-wise. This cut is heavenly and a great eating experience.  

There Are Many Health Benefits

Beef cheeks are a great lightweight alternative to traditional cuts. Beef cheeks are lower in calories and fat and higher in protein than most popular steaks. Plus, they have more immune-supporting vitamins (vitamin C and B) and 200 percent more iron than traditional cuts.

Beef Cheeks Aren’t Expensive

Compared to popular steak cuts like Porterhouse, beef cheeks aren’t an expensive cut of meat. Due to their increasing popularity, beef cheeks prices are around $14 per lb. However, if you stumble across an Italian Bistro, you should expect to pay about $40 for a braised beef cheek entree. 

Beef Cheeks Have a Rich Flavor

Beef cheeks have a one-of-a-kind rich, soft, and savory flavor. It has a melt-in-your-mouth texture produced from its collagen breaking down over time. 

Beef Cheeks Don’t Take Much to Prepare

Preparing smoked beef cheeks doesn’t take much. Sometimes beef cheeks can come with tiny pieces of silver skin or membrane attached; if so, you can remove it since it’s unnecessary and can taste bitter. 

Besides removing the sliver skin or membrane, you don’t have to trim too much off the cheeks. All you need to prepare your smoked beef cheeks is your favorite beef rub and a bit of brown sugar.

There Are Many Ways to Prepare Beef Cheeks

Other than smoked beef cheeks, you can incorporate this cut into various dishes, like:

• Beef cheek ragu
• Beef cheek tacos
• Braised beef cheeks with mashed potatoes
• Beef cheeks in red wine
• Beef cheek sliders

These were five reasons why you should be smoking your beef cheeks! When looking to buy beef cheeks, you will probably need to pre-order them from your favorite butcher or online meat vendor to reserve the muscle cut.

If you’re still on the fence about beef cheeks, no worries, we have the best alternative for you! Here at Lone Mountain Wagyu, we have countless wagyu beef options at our online store. Stroll through our options and buy wagyu beef!

Wagyu steak is delicious, and it doesn’t take long to prepare or cook. Although people often eat it by itself as a main dish for any occasion, you can always pair this steak with some complementary side dishes.

Since springtime is upon us, you may be looking for some light, refreshing choices. To help you prepare for your springtime steak nights, here are six of the best side dishes for Wagyu in the spring.

Green Beans

Green beans sautéed with shallots in butter or olive oil will make a colorful addition to your Wagyu dinner. Lightly simmer your green beans in vinegar and butter or olive oil along with some sugar and shallots over medium heat to elevate your meal to a gourmet level.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are always a great, healthier alternative to your standard french fries. We recommend sprinkling paprika and dried cumin for a kick or cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweeter taste. You can also add a little salt and pepper for a basic but tasty flavor.  

Arugula Salad

Arugula salad makes for a light side for your Wagyu steak. To make an arugula salad, you need just six ingredients:

• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Arugula

You even add blueberries, Parmesan cheese, and walnuts for a more colorful, spring-like taste!

Cinnamon Honey–Glazed Carrots

People often associate cinnamon flavors with the holiday season, but you can serve cinnamon honey–glazed carrots any time of year for a warm, comforting feeling! These sweet carrots go perfectly with Wagyu steak’s rich, savory flavor.

Lemon-Ginger Spinach

Lemon-ginger spinach is a refreshing dish that you can pair with anything. Plus, it’s probably one of the easiest side dishes you can make. The ginger and lemon pair to create a flavorful taste that won’t overwhelm the Wagyu steak.

Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed cauliflower is a perfect alternative to mashed potatoes. The rest of these sides are light and refreshing, but this side dish is healthy and hearty. Try this healthy spin on the classic steak-and-mashed-potatoes combination.

Wagyu beef is always the star of any dinner. However, you can pair your Wagyu with sides that complement its taste without overpowering it. For the best dinner experience, choose one of our six best side dishes for Wagyu in the spring. Plus, if you or a friend love Wagyu steak, check out our Wagyu gift box! Our gift boxes are all under $100, making for thoughtful, affordable gift options for high-quality meats.

Comfort food is always a staple. With the weather warming up, we may find ourselves wanting to create dishes that are lighter and brighter—but that still fill us up. Here are 10 comfort dishes to try this spring.

Chili Lime Shrimp

Chili lime shrimp is a quick, easy dinner for the family to enjoy this spring. You can make this flavor-packed meal in under 30 minutes! Add more chili for more spice, or pair the dish with tortilla chips for a bit of crunch. 

Stuffed Poblanos

If you love stuffed bell peppers, you’ll love stuffed poblanos. They don’t require much prepping, and they’re packed with spices and flavors. All you need is cheese, ground meat, and enchilada sauce!

Salmon Poke Bowl

Poke bowls are perfect for spring because they’re packed with vegetables, bold colors, and refreshing flavors. If you’re not a fan of salmon, you can always switch your protein to something else. 

Tzatziki Chicken

Greek chicken with tzatziki sauce is a classic meal for spring. Stuff your tzatziki chicken into a gyro or pair it with french fries or fresh vegetables.

Spinach-Feta Penne

If you want a light pasta, try making spinach-feta pasta. Add tomatoes, chicken, garlic, wine, and olive oil to create a flavorful but simple dish. 

Grilled Wagyu Steak Fajitas

Fire up the grill and enjoy some fantastic grilled Wagyu fajitas! Serve with tortillas, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro to add more flavor—the perfect meal for a warm, sunny day.

Caribbean Shrimp & Rice Bowl

Take a trip to the islands in your kitchen and enjoy a Caribbean shrimp and rice bowl. Try grilling the shrimp with spices and garlic for a spicier flavor. This bowl is a healthy option for anyone looking to consume more protein. 

Pesto & Artichoke Linguine

The perfect meal for spring holidays or get-togethers! It’s perfect as a side dish or an entrée. You can add shrimp or chicken if you’d like. We suggest adding sautéed red pepper for a pop of color!

Garlic & Herb Steak Pizza

This pizza is perfect for people who love everything on top of their pies. If you’re craving pizza but don’t feel like ordering from your local franchise, make this cheesy, easy garlic and herb steak pizza!

Pad Thai

Skip takeout and make an easy pad thai dinner if you need a quick meal. This Thai dish is made with simple ingredients, and you can add tofu or any other protein. 

As the weather begins to warm up and the days get longer, enjoy these 10 comfort food dishes to try this spring. And if you decide to incorporate steak into your spring dishes, check out our mail-order Wagyu steaks. We have it all, from ribeye to skirt steak, and we ensure that our steaks are of the highest quality.

Wagyu beef comes from four main Japanese cow breeds that are carefully selected and genetically tested. They include Japanese Polled, Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, and Japanese Shorthorn. These breeds are known to produce the best-quality steak with notable characteristics ranging from incredible tenderness to better taste.

Wagyu beef prices average at $200 per pound. However, that price tag is there for good reason. Here are five of the top reasons Wagyu beef is worth every penny.

Highly Controlled Market and Breeding

Japan banned exportation of Wagyu cattle breeds in 1997. By then, only about 200 animals had been exported to the US. As a result, the supply of Wagyu beef outside of Japan is negligible in comparison to the demand. What’s more, Japan uses strict testing methods to ensure breeding uses only the best genetic material. The highly controlled breeding and limited supply justify the price.

High Grading Standards

Grading also plays a role in pricing. The Japan Meat Grading Association (JMGA) is very strict, grading Wagyu beef according to color, brightness, fat marbling and quality, texture, and firmness. The beef that finds its way into high-end restaurants is the highest grade, which is worth every penny. Try Wagyu sausage rather than links from the grocery store, and you’ll be able to taste the difference.

Tedious, Expensive Production Process

Raising cows that produce Wagyu beef is a challenging and expensive process. Generally, a breeder cares for the cows to a certain age (usually 10 months) before auctioning them to a farmer, who fattens them using a special diet and care. The cows feed 3 times daily for 2 years to gain 50 percent body fat. Given the cost of concentrated feeds; the time and effort; plus the hefty price tag at the auction house—up to $30,000—Wagyu beef is bound to come at a price.

Great Taste

Wagyu is arguably the best-tasting beef available today. The beef melts inside the mouth and has a delicious, ultra-rich, buttery flavor that regular beef can’t match. Wagyu is also juicier than typical steak and packed with more fatty acids, which offer a unique aroma.

Healthiest Beef

Lastly, Wagyu beef contains more oleic acid than typical beef. The acid offers higher monounsaturated fatty acids (healthy fats) than normal beef. Wagyu beef won’t increase your bad cholesterol levels. Instead, you stand to enjoy cardiovascular benefits and extra vitamins along with superior taste.

One can chalk up the price of Wagyu beef to various factors. It’s healthier, rarer, and much better tasting than standard beef. What’s more, it’s subject to very high grading standards. You’ll be able to taste the difference, though, and you’ll remember why these reasons Wagyu beef is worth every penny.

This 2022, make a resolution to bring your game-day smorgasbord to the next level. You’ve got your chips and dips, your cheesy snacks, your crudité platter—why not add a little extra effort and deliciousness? Whip up a pitcher of the best Bloody Mary you’ve made yet and serve it with tantalizing Wagyu jerky. Beer is a classic drink for watching the game, but offer your guests something special this year. Not convinced? Let’s discuss some reasons the big game demands beef jerky and Bloody Marys to get you thinking.

Underrated Health Benefits

What’s your approach to nutrition? Are you always sniffing out and avoiding “bad” ingredients like salt, fats, and carbs? Take an additive approach instead. That beef jerky does have some extra salt added during the preserving process, but Wagyu jerky also holds health benefits that may surprise you. Its unique composition of muscle and healthy fat helps lower your cholesterol and keeps your heart in tip-top shape.

And the Bloody Mary? It’s got a splash of the hair of the dog that bit you, but it’s mixed with tomato juice for a reason. The juice is packed with electrolytes and vitamin C to boost you out of a nasty hangover. Serve a big stick of celery with each glass to add fiber.

It’s Unexpected

We mentioned it earlier, but your guests are probably coming over expecting beer. The carbonation pairs well with greasy foods, and it’s just as classic as chips and dip on game day. Stock up on beer before your friends arrive—but have something else waiting!

A pitcher of Bloody Marys will be a welcome oasis to those who got some drinking done the night before. They’ll be pleasantly surprised, and if you serve them with a Wagyu jerky garnish, they’ll be gobsmacked. A week before the game, order Wagyu beef online so that you’ll have that jerky ahead of time. Try not to eat it all before game day!

A Chance for Creativity

Take inspiration from those elaborate Bloody Marys you order at brunch. They’re veritable bouquets of tantalizing garnish—a drink and a snack all in one. You’ve got oodles of options, from classic celery to funky pickle to zingy lemon or lime.

Go next-level this year. Skewer some of that delicious Wagyu beef jerky and add it to the glass. The savory, buttery umami taste of the jerky will complement the acidity of the drink. Plus, you know that jerky is just loaded with essential protein.

Hangover Relief

The Bloody Mary was pioneered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It originated as a non-alcoholic beverage that received a lukewarm reception. However, when many Russians fled to Paris during the Russian Revolution, they brought their signature drink—vodka—with them. A Parisian bartender who didn’t like the taste of vodka experimented with different mixers, and the addition of tomato juice changed the game.

Author Ernest Hemingway boasted about popularizing the Bloody Mary. People began to drink the “hair of the dog that bit them” to ease the effects of a hangover. The combination of nutrient-rich tomato juice, tantalizing spice blends, and good old-fashioned vodka became the go-to drink for soothing that headache.

If you’re hosting a game-day shindig on Sunday, there’s a chance that your guests (and you) had a drink or two on Saturday night. Start the game day off right with vitamins, protein—and a discreet helping of vodka.

Versatility

Everyone’s got their own tastes. There are countless Bloody Mary recipes out there and tons of creative ingredients to try. Why not set up a cocktail bar so your guests can play bartender? Mix up a few basic pitchers of tomato juice and vodka, then let your guests help themselves.

Some folks like to rim their glasses with salt, paprika, or even Old Bay seasoning. It adds a picture-perfect touch and a little extra kick to each sip. Some like lots of Worcestershire sauce, while others go heavy on the hot sauce.

Keep that Wagyu jerky on display, too! Prepare several skewers of jerky and place them at center stage among the cocktail onions and jalapeño peppers. A tantalizing bouquet of garnishes will turn your classic cocktail into a culinary experience.

A Luxurious Touch

You can get plain old beef jerky at any grocery store—but where did those cows come from? Were they treated well? What’s the quality of the meat? With garden-variety beef jerky, you simply don’t know.

With Lone Mountain Wagyu’s beef jerky, you know what you’re getting and where it’s coming from. Our cows are all DNA certified and provably purebred. We treat our cattle kindly and feed them high-quality food to preserve the quality of the meat. Show off to your friends that you bought Wagyu jerky; they’ll taste the difference! You’ll serve up restaurant-quality cocktails with a decadent and healthy garnish.

Family-Friendly Options

Have you got kids and teens at your party? Let them get in on the fun—responsibly. All you need to do to make a virgin Bloody Mary is skip the vodka. Everything else in there is yummy and healthy for younger ones to enjoy. (Stock up on the beef jerky in case your underage guests get hooked!)

When younger guests can mix mocktails of their own and sip on them alongside guests of drinking age, they feel more grown-up. All kids want to fit in and feel like part of the party. Skip the booze at their mocktail bar and let them mix drinks that look just like the grown-ups’.

A Memorable Experience

When you serve up cocktails with high-quality ingredients and your guests’ comfort in mind, they’ll remember your thoughtfulness. Any friends or family members who imbibed on Saturday night will thank you for those Bloody Marys when they arrive on Sunday.

Plus, your loved ones have probably never tasted Wagyu beef jerky before. It’s definitely a different taste—and one that’s far superior to the store-brand stuff. Long after the game is over and your guests have gone home, they’ll be talking to each other about that delicious jerky. You’ll be in their books as a terrific party host with excellent taste.

As you plan your game-day celebration, add something unexpected to the equation. A delicious Bloody Mary garnished with gourmet beef jerky tells your guests that you’re thinking of them. Soothe hangovers, power up with vitamins and minerals, and create an experience that you can all enjoy. Let these reasons the big game demands beef jerky and Bloody Marys get you inspired as you shop!

Game day is always a cause for celebration, and the Super Bowl even more so. Finish off football season right with creative snacks that your guests will remember all year. Entice those guests back to next year’s party by making this year’s unforgettable. Try these unique Super Bowl snacks worthy of celebration and enjoy time with friends as you feast—no matter who wins the game.

Caviar on Chips

It sounds counterintuitive, but combining a luxury ingredient with an everyman snack elevates both to supreme deliciousness. Choose potato chips with a little heft to them so they’ll hold the caviar without snapping in two! The smooth, briny taste of the caviar pairs well with the salt and starch of the humble potato chip.

Wagyu Sliders

Elevate those tiny burgers to perfection by opting for luxury meat. Wagyu beef is famous for its lovely fat marbling, but it comes in dozens of variations, from ground chuck to tender jerky. Order a gourmet meat gift online the week of the party; our shipping is fast and our meat is always fresh. Shape those little patties with the best beef on the market; your friends will rave about them for weeks.

Homemade Pretzels

Forgo the bag of mini pretzels this year and roll up your sleeves. Pretzels are a fun challenge in the kitchen, and one that you can enlist kids’ help with when tying those iconic knots. Warm, fresh pretzels are delicious and memorable; sprinkle them with coarse salt or dust them with cinnamon sugar.

Adventurous Dips

Stock up on chips next time you’re at the grocery store, and focus your creativity on a smorgasbord of creative dips. Make a deep-dish pizza deep enough, and you’ve got a perfect combination of sauces, herbs, meats, and cheeses that will taste perfect on a chip. Try jalapeno popper dip, too! A little spice is always welcome. Round out your dip parade with classic guac and spinach artichoke.

Bacon-Wrapped Dates

Make any bite infinitely more satisfying by wrapping it in bacon and rubbing it with brown sugar. Get your sweet-and-salty fix with these neat little hors d’oeuvres that will elevate game day to a capital-O Occasion. Stuff some fresh dates with goat cheese, wrap them in bacon, and add a coating of maple syrup or brown sugar before baking them to tantalizing perfection.

As you near the end of football season, brainstorm some unique Super Bowl snacks worthy of celebration. No matter who wins the big game, you’ll enjoy the time with friends and family. Dig into these creative and luxurious snacks and remember those recipes for next year!

When it comes to dinner, there are two main styles that people tend to choose from: homestyle and buffet style. So you might be having this debate: “Which is better? Homestyle dinner or buffet style?” Both have their unique benefits and drawbacks, so it can be tough to decide which is the better option for you. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two dining styles and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs!

Homestyle Dinners

Homestyle dinners are the traditional way to enjoy a meal. You sit down at a table with your family or friends and enjoy a prepared meal together. This type of dinner is typically more intimate and allows for conversation between everyone at the table. Everybody has their own individual plate. You can even serve restaurant-level dishes with luxury ingredients like wagyu beef sausage to make your guests feel extra special.

However, homestyle dinners can also be time-consuming and require more preparation. If you are not a skilled cook, it can be challenging to prepare a meal that everyone will enjoy. Additionally, if you have a large family or group of friends, preparing enough food for everyone can be a daunting task.

Buffet-Style Dinners

Buffet-style dinners are a newer way to enjoy a meal. At a buffet, you can choose whichever dishes you want. This type of dinner is typically more casual and allows people to try food they might not normally eat. Buffets are also great for large groups, as there is usually plenty of food to go around.

But buffet-style dinners can also be less healthy than home-cooked meals. It is easy to overindulge at a buffet, especially when trying new dishes. Additionally, buffets can be more expensive to prepare than homestyle dinners.

Homestyle vs. Buffet-Style Dinners

There are advantages and disadvantages to both homestyle and buffet-style dinners. Let’s take a look:

Homestyle Dinners:

• The food is usually fresh and made specifically for you.
• You have more control over what you eat.
• The portions are usually smaller, so it’s an excellent way to eat healthily.
• It can be time-consuming to prepare.

Buffet-Style Dinners:

• The food is usually not as fresh, but it’s still tasty.
• You have the opportunity to try many different dishes.
• The portions are usually large, so it’s an excellent way to satisfy your hunger.
• It can be time-consuming to wash all the dishes.

So ask yourself that question again. Homestyle dinner vs. buffet style: which is better? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a fresh, home-cooked meal with smaller portions, homestyle is better. If you’re looking for a casual dinner with lots of different food options, then buffet style is the better choice. Whichever option you choose, enjoy your dinner courtesy of Lone Mountain Wagyu.

Preparing sumptuous snacks for the Super Bowl Party is the best way to ensure it will be a blast no matter which team wins the game. Everyone will leave with a smile plastered on their faces and remember the day they had a feast for one of the most popular and most awaited games of the year. You may be used to the classics: burgers, chili, tacos, desserts, and subs. But why not make your game-day spread exceptional? Here are a few tips for hosting the ultimate Super Bowl Party.

Make the Burger Extra Special

Instead of using the usual grocery-store ground chuck you purchase and use in making burgers, use a high-end ground beef Wagyu that’s never crossbred. Select Wagyu meat with DNA certification as proof of its direct lineage to its Japanese heritage. Wagyu beef is famous for its fat marbling, which also gives the beef more flavor and a buttery taste. Lone Mountain Wagyu promises that all of our cattle are 100 percent Wagyu, with certification to boot.

Get the Right Taco Meat

Ground Wagyu isn’t only for burgers—you can use it to prepare tacos to make your feast more tantalizing. By using prime ingredients for your tacos, they will surely be the real winner of the night. Ground Wagyu will make your taco bar a hit, and Wagyu’s fat content means it cooks up quickly and deliciously.

Shake Up the Chili Recipe

A big pot of chili is a classic favorite for getting together and, in this case, for Super Bowl parties. Why not use ground Wagyu to create the best-tasting chili for game day? You’ll look like a fantastic gourmet host and your friends will remember your elevated recipe. Make Wagyu a regular guest in your chili pot long after your Super Bowl party has ended.

Create the Perfect Nachos

Nachos are already an iconic dish, whether you’re partying with friends or just making a feast for yourself. Raise the bar a notch this year with Wagyu. Combine with other high-end ingredients like brie cheese, and your friends won’t soon forget the best nachos they’ve ever had. It’s up to you whether you want to share your secret ingredient!

Never host the same boring Super Bowl party again after you elevate the standard and follow the tips for hosting the ultimate Super Bowl party above. Bookmark Lone Mountain Wagyu for all your hosting needs, and throw the best Super Bowl parties on the block!

New Year’s Eve can get raucous. Once that midnight champagne starts flowing, you party well into the new year—and then wake up with a pounding headache. Do you have to muscle it out or can you whip up a delicious fix?

We can attribute most of the nasty symptoms of a hangover to dehydration. Alcohol doesn’t hydrate you the way water and other beverages do. Plus, it has a diuretic effect, meaning it makes you urinate more often. You wake up feeling dehydrated and low on energy.

While drinking plenty of water will help you kick that awful sensation, try some of the best hangover foods for New Year’s Day for a delicious cure.

Fruit Smoothie

Grab some fresh or frozen fruit and dump it all into a blender. Bananas in particular are high in potassium and other nutrients you may lack after your big night. Throw in a handful of antioxidant-rich blueberries if you have them. Replenish the vitamins and minerals your body needs!

Eggs, Eggs, Eggs

If you manage to wake up before noon, treat yourself to a big, runny omelet for breakfast. Eggs are high in cysteine, an amino acid that may help to neutralize some of the effects of alcohol consumption. Plus, all that protein will give you long-lasting energy to get through your day.

Red Meat

Speaking of protein, a healthy serving of red meat will give you that instant energy boost, plus lots of vitamins and minerals to boot. Why not order a Wagyu beef set ahead of time and treat yourself to a luxurious sandwich at lunchtime? Wagyu is particularly rich in minerals, monounsaturated fats, and the protein your body needs to push through that hangover.

Avocados

If you’re still planning your New Year’s Eve bash, make a big bowl of guacamole for the snack table. That way, you can enjoy the leftovers the next day! Avocados are rich in potassium, and some research suggests that they contain compounds that can combat liver injury. NYE is a busy night for your liver, so give it some TLC the next day.

Crackers

If a big breakfast or lunch feels intimidating to you, start off by nibbling on some saltines or leftover fancy crackers from the night before. Crackers are high in fast-acting carbs that will raise your blood sugar in a pinch.

As you ring in the new year, be kind to your body and give it the nutrients it needs once the party is over. Brew a strong cup of coffee as you prepare the best hangover foods for New Year’s Day and kick those nasty symptoms to the curb. Start the year off strong by facing that hangover head-on.

Welcome friends and family into your home on the final day of 2021, and look back on the year’s highs and lows. And as you plan your end-of-year shindig, don’t leave your main course out in the cold. Bring in some Wagyu roast beef to make the occasion extra special. So don’t forget these five things when hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner.

Festive Music

Set the mood with celebratory music, both old and new. Keep it at an ambient volume so your guests can hear it but can still comfortably converse with one another. And of course, if you’re going to play “Auld Lang Syne,” save it for midnight!

Tantalizing Appetizers

Set out some finger foods for you and your guests to munch on before dinner. Combine luxe ingredients with staples, like caviar and potato chips, or wrap some water chestnuts in savory bacon. Get a little creative with your food pairings; your guests will applaud your originality.

Luxurious Main Course

Your holiday season has had its fill of turkey and ham. It’s time to unveil the crowning glory of your NYE dinner party: a splendid roast with all the fixings. For extra flavor and a high-class flair, try Wagyu roast beef instead of your regular variety. After all, it is a special occasion.

Decadent Desserts

It’s the last day of the year. As you and your guests eat your fill and inch closer to midnight, finish off that meal with a showstopping dessert. Molten chocolate cake is a great crowd-pleaser—who doesn’t love that gooey chocolate lava that flows from the inside? Raspberry cheesecake and crème brûlée are also delicious and indulgent.

Champagne!

What’s a New Year’s Eve party without a bottle or two of bubbly? Bring out that bottle you’ve saved for a special occasion, and make sure you have plenty of flutes for everybody. If you or any of your guests don’t drink alcohol, sparkling white grape juice is a perfect fizzy alternative.

This New Year’s Eve, send 2021 off in style—and in the company of good friends. Make sure not to forget these five things when hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner, and your guests will anxiously await your next one.

For the loved one who doesn’t need another book or pair of slippers, give them the gift of meat. Wagyu beef is a perfect centerpiece for any Christmas feast, and the foodie in your family may love the opportunity to cook such a luxurious steak. Learn why Wagyu steak is the perfect Christmas present, then peruse our site for the perfect gift.

It’s Thoughtful

If you’re shopping for the food connoisseur in your life, they’ll be touched by your Wagyu gift. With the gift of meat, you show your loved one that you know they don’t need another gift card or piece of jewelry. You demonstrate to them that you picked out that Wagyu steak online just for them, and they’ll think of you when they cook it up.

It’s Creative

When you think of edible gifts, you may conjure up images of fruit baskets or sausage-and-cheese platters. But as your family and friends tear into their gifts under the tree, your Wagyu gift will stand out among the T-shirts and toys. It may even give them ideas for next year!

It’s Delicious

Wagyu steak differs from other steaks because it comes from a very specific kind of cow. Wagyu cows store their fat between muscle fibers, resulting in meat with extra fat content. The iconic marbling you see in beef from our DNA-certified, 100 percent Wagyu cows brings an umami flavor and uniquely buttery taste to the meat.

It’s Healthy

Did you know that the fat content in Wagyu beef actually helps lower your cholesterol? It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals; there’s no guilt in eating a delicious Wagyu steak. Your loved one can enjoy the health benefits of the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids marbled into the meat.

This year, as you buy and wrap your Christmas gifts, shop for Wagyu steak online shortly before the holiday to ensure its freshness. Meat may be an unconventional gift, but it’ll be a smash hit under your Christmas tree. Wagyu steak is the perfect Christmas present due largely to its luxurious taste. Bring decadence to your holiday by giving a decadent steak to the foodie in your life.

When you give your body a diet and stick to it, your system gets used to the same sorts of foods. If you’ve taken a break from beef for a while and you want to bring it back, moderation is key. Instead of sprinting toward burgers and filet mignon, start smart with this guide on how to incorporate beef back into your diet.

Go Slow

For the most part, stick to the proteins you’ve been eating, whether plant-based or from another type of meat. Have a little bit of beef once or twice a week and see how you feel. Red meat has a high protein content that your body may not be used to just yet, so give it a nibble at a time. If you feel sick, go even more slowly, even if that means only a few bites once a week.

Prioritize Quality

Going from a plant-based diet to grocery-store ground chuck might give you a stomachache. When you decide to start eating beef again, look for the organic stuff. Our Wagyu ground beef at Lone Mountain Wagyu is 100 percent organic meat from DNA-certified Wagyu cows. The fat content in this variety is healthier for you than the stuff in fast-food burgers.

Enlist Support

Remember: your body needs time to adjust to a new diet. If you’ve been on a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet prior to reintroducing beef, some of the enzymes in your digestive system have gone on a break. Incorporate digestive enzymes or betaine HCL supplements into your routine to get your gut used to digesting beef again. Even if you’ve been eating fish and poultry this whole time, red meat still requires some enzymatic help to digest.

Portion Wisely

Once you’ve gotten beef comfortably back into your diet, continue to watch how much you eat. It may be a long while before you dig into a whole steak. In the meantime, make beef a part of a balanced diet. Eat other meats regularly so your body gets used to digesting diverse animal proteins again and continue to eat plenty of plant-based foods.

Dietary changes require a careful touch, but they can be beneficial to your health and get you trying all kinds of new foods. Learn how to incorporate beef back into your diet and invest in high-quality meats like our Wagyu ground beef. Your palate will thank you!

Get creative with your grilling by tossing in a few unique ingredients! Wagyu steak, especially strip steak, is a prime candidate for easy grilling, as it cooks quickly and is packed with flavor. No matter how you season it, learn how to grill Wagyu strip steak to perfection below and wow your family or guests with a restaurant-quality meal.

Step One: Prep Work

When you buy Wagyu steak online, it arrives at your doorstep carefully frozen. If you’re not going to grill right away, pop it in your refrigerator and keep it there for up to 48 hours. (Get to cooking as soon as you can, though—don’t let it sit in the fridge for a week!) Once you’re ready, take it out and make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking.

Next, fire up the grill. If you’re using charcoal, take time to properly heat the coals before you slap those steaks over the heat. If you’ve got a gas grill, preheat it on high. The ideal temperature is around 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Oil the grill before it gets too hot.

Step Two: Seasonings

Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and start brainstorming: What are you going to season them with?

Wagyu beef has its own unique flavor profile; simple seasonings will keep that umami at center stage. Salt and pepper are the classic go-to pairing. But if you want to enhance the flavors and pair them with others, garlic is always welcome. Rub down your strip steaks with garlic butter before grilling, or season with rosemary and thyme for an herbal taste. Whatever you’re using, make sure to season both sides.

Step Three: Cooking

Once your grill is fully heated and your strip steaks are seasoned, carefully place the steaks on your grill slats and cover with the lid. Cook on one side for three to five minutes, and then lift the lid to flip them over. Put the lid back on and cook on the other side for another three to five minutes.

If you prefer your steak rare, take it off the grill now. For a medium-rare strip steak, cook for a further three minutes. Wagyu steak is best eaten rare or medium-rare for you to enjoy the full flavor of the marbled fat. When your steaks are done cooking, place them on a cutting board and let them rest for five minutes before serving. Voilà!

The next time you feel like impressing your family and friends with creative, high-end cooking, grab some Wagyu steak online here at Lone Mountain Wagyu. Our strip steaks cook easily and quickly, and they’re perfect canvases for your favorite seasonings. Grill your Wagyu strip steak to perfection the next time you feel adventurous in the kitchen.

The popularity of online shopping has skyrocketed in the past year and a half. Why push through other shoppers at the grocery store just to hem and haw over cuts of meat? Shopping online saves you the hassle of driving to the store and standing in line to pay. Lone Mountain Wagyu offers top-quality Wagyu beef products at the click of a button, and they’ll ship quickly right to your doorstep. Plus, you may not be able to find Wagyu at your neighborhood grocery store. Luckily, the finest cuts of Wagyu beef are available right here! We lay out the options for you, from sirloin to brisket to delicious sausage. Page through our selection of Wagyu beef products as you consider these top reasons why you should buy your beef online.

You Can Make Quality Meals at Home

Just because you’re not dining at a restaurant doesn’t mean you can’t feast on the very finest cuts of beef. When you order Wagyu beef online, the frozen delicacy will hit your doorstep quickly, and you can start defrosting for dinner right away. Create an at-home date experience or throw a lavish dinner party with a Wagyu centerpiece.

In addition, you can expect organic quality from our beef products. Some Wagyu farmers crossbreed their cattle with more common varieties such as Angus. Breeding more cattle means more Wagyu beef on the market, right? Not really. Our cattle are 100 percent Wagyu—no crossbreeding here! Our cattle are all DNA certified to show that our Wagyu products are unadulterated. We also feed our cows a corn-free grain blend and ensure they experience as little stress as possible. When you shop for your meat online, you can easily filter out subpar cuts and search directly for organic, authentic meats that will melt in your mouth.

The Convenience Factor

If you’ve got internet access, you’ve got the biggest shopping mall in the known universe at your fingertips. From household staples to lavish jewelry, you can find just about anything on the ’net. So why not transition to doing more grocery shopping online? Standing at the store and peering at the meat offerings in person can be a hassle. Other people are shopping, too, and you don’t want to crowd them out as you choose between tenderloin and brisket. Skip the stress and browse as long as you want in the comfort of your own home. Who cares if you spend half an hour browsing our Wagyu products? There are so many choices to learn about.

In addition, if you’re in the market for specialty meats such as Wagyu, you may be hard pressed to find a store in your area that carries them. The nearest gourmet grocery store might be a 45-minute drive from you, and you don’t want to make that round trip. You don’t even have to put your shoes on to shop online. Order Wagyu beef online and save yourself a trip while ensuring you get the best meats on the market.

Bulk Purchasing Options

Because meat delivered by mail arrives frozen, you can guarantee it’s the freshest stuff the butcher has. And if you’re planning to feed a crowd, you’ll need a lot of beef—fast and fresh. Whether you’re making a pot roast or serving up burgers, you can purchase enough meat to feed a small army with a few simple clicks.

Plus, when you buy your beef in bulk, you’ll enjoy the discount that comes with it. Buying your meat online allows you to make a bigger purchase without having to transport it all home from the grocery store. The next time you have the extended family over for a roast dinner, order that beef from Lone Mountain Wagyu and get to cooking right away to preserve the meat’s freshness. You’ll get the best value for your money when you plan the meal ahead, buy only the freshest meat, and start defrosting once it hits your doorstep.

Plenty of Choices

You may have noticed by now that there are a lot of different cuts of beef. Tri-tip, tenderloin, brisket, short ribs—which one is right for tonight’s dinner? When you go to a brick-and-mortar butcher shop, your choices are limited to what they’ve got that day. And eventually you get to a point where you’ve tried them all. That’s where online meat shopping comes in.

If you’ve never tried Wagyu burgers before, you’re in luck—we’ve got plenty. If you want to get creative with your kebabs, we’ve got your back. You can spend as much time as you like scrolling through your choices when you buy your beef products online. Never lollygag in the butcher shop again!

You’ll Get Only the Best

Did we mention that our cattle are DNA certified? It’s true. Our cows are 100 percent Wagyu, and they’ve got the paperwork to prove it. Some butchers adulterate their meat or compromise on quality to increase profit, but we’re dedicated to quality above all else. When you buy your meat online, you’re fully in control of the cuts you buy. You’ve got the power to weed out inferior beef products without having to drive all around your state, hopping from butcher to butcher.

Plus, online butchers are particularly dedicated to the freshness of their meat. To prevent any bumps or subpar conditions during shipping, we seal each cut of our Wagyu beef in its own vacuum pack. Each order is then placed inside a ThermoPod—an environmentally friendly alternative to a Styrofoam cooler—and shipped with dry ice. That meat lands on your doorstep within three days and is ready to defrost right away! No need to fuss with expiration stickers at the grocery store. We offer only the freshest available cuts, and we go the extra mile to keep them safe in transit.

The next time you plan a big grocery shopping trip, why not do the bulk of it from your couch? Pull out your laptop and start surfing for the best meats the internet can offer. As you browse and buy, rest assured that Lone Mountain Wagyu will send you only the best and freshest beef products. Quality and convenience are only two of the top reasons why you should buy your beef online, but really, it’s the best option all around. Let the World Wide Web be your personal shopping assistant the next time you’ve got a family dinner on the calendar.

For your next family dinner, consider serving up a delicious cut of Wagyu beef. Your loved ones will adore the uniquely buttery taste. But before you get to cooking, you’ve got to choose your cut! Which part of the cow will serve your crowd best? Let Lone Mountain Wagyu give you some ideas for the best cut of beef for serving a large group.

Sirloin

Easy to cook and easy to serve, a good sirloin can fill the bellies of ten or more people. All parts of the meat will cook at the same time, and slicing it up doesn’t take much elbow grease. Sirloin steaks are a tender and economical way to serve tender bites to a large group. When you do your math, account for each guest to have about five or six ounces of meat. Sirloin tastes especially delicious when cubed up and drenched in complementary sauces. If your group meal is more of a buffet than a sit-down dinner, sirloin is an easy and portable choice.

Skirt Steak

Another easy-to-cook favorite, this cut is long and thin with plenty of connective tissue. Strip steak is rich in classic beefy flavor and is a perfect blank canvas for creative sauces and spices. It cooks quickly, too! A hungry group will be able to clear their plates sooner. If you’re serving up a family-style or buffet meal, a good cut of skirt steak can fill several plates.

Flank Steak

Leaner than skirt steak but still boasting plenty of that famous fat marbling, the flank steak in our Wagyu beef samplers feels right at home on your grill. Slice it extra thin against the grain for family-style fajitas or keep the steak intact for a truly magnificent centerpiece. Much like other cuts of Wagyu beef, flank steak is a great canvas for sauces and marinades. Keep an eye on your grill while cooking, as flank steak tastes best medium-rare.

Brisket

Sandwiches for all! A whole beef brisket will serve a family reunion, from great-aunts to second cousins. Packed with fat and connective tissue that dissolves deliciously when cooked “low and slow,” brisket is a project, to be sure. It’s a big cut of meat that requires specialized cooking and creative flavoring. You can rub it with spices and toss it in your smoker all day, or make corned beef that’s perfect for leftovers. That end result is worth it.

When looking for top-tier cuts of meat to feed family and friends, let Lone Mountain Wagyu be your guide. Our Wagyu beef samplers have something for everyone. The best cut of beef for serving a large group depends on the group’s preferences and your cooking style, but these are four of your best bets.

When was the last time you and your significant other treated yourselves? Before you throw together another sandwich or reheat those leftovers, plan a romantic dinner together. No need for a special occasion to plan a romantic at-home dinner for two. Make date night special without leaving the house.

Plan and Test Your Menu

In the week preceding your agreed-upon dinner date, start tossing around menu ideas. How many courses will you serve? What will be the highlight of the meal? Pick at least one extra decadent menu item and weigh your recipe options. Experiment with flavor pairings and side dishes and pick your favorites together. For a perfect centerpiece, Lone Mountain Wagyu’s mail-order Wagyu steak is delicious and luxurious, and it arrives directly at your doorstep.

Make Ample Space

Instead of sitting at the kitchen table, bring your dinner date into the dining room. Set it with a clean tablecloth and your best dinnerware. If there’s any mess or clutter in the area, put it away! Create a romantic little haven in your dining room so it feels less like a regular old dinner at home. Take out glasses and dishes you rarely use.

Create an Ambient Experience

Before your dinner, create a playlist together of gentle, romantic music you both love. Then, the evening of your big date, dress to the nines. Dim the lights in the dining room and light a few candles on the table, or hang twinkly string lights if open flame isn’t your thing. Open a bottle of your favorite wine or sparkling beverage and sip it out of your best glasses.

Keep the Magic Going

Once you’ve finished your mail-order Wagyu steak and made quick work of dessert, spend the rest of the evening enjoying each other’s company. Watch your favorite romantic movie together, dance to the songs you loved when you first started dating—and leave the dishes for tomorrow. Nothing squashes a dreamy atmosphere quite like washing dirty dishes.

Try something new for your next romantic evening together and create the experience at home. Plan the menu yourself and let Lone Mountain Wagyu take care of the centerpiece of your meal. When you know the basics of how to plan a romantic at-home dinner for two, your next date night will be one you’ll want to do over and over again.

When you work in your kitchen, do you feel like a productive master chef or a bored line cook? If your routine has got you down in the doldrums, spice up your cooking habits. Use appliances you never use. Make food from a culture you’re unfamiliar with. Use a kooky kitchen gadget you’ve never used before. Whatever you do, look at your kitchen through fresh eyes and never cook a boring meal again! Learn how to change up your everyday cooking habits and surprise your loved ones with a spread of adventurous new dishes. Keep your creative muscles limber in the kitchen and make it a vibrant experience every time.

Use Obscure Appliances

Remember that air fryer you got for your last birthday? You’ve probably heard folks telling you that it makes French fries and chicken nuggets much healthier. If you’re not into cooking fast food at home, fear not. View your air fryer through different eyes and see it for what it is: a tabletop convection oven. Instead of hot oil, it moves hot air around your food to cook it efficiently and quickly. If you’re looking for a crispy, crunchy bite for dinner tonight, break out the air fryer instead of taking extra time to preheat your oven. It’ll roast vegetables with alacrity and ease. And air fryers are experts at reheating food, too! A microwave will leave your leftover pizza floppy and damp, but an air fryer will heat it evenly without sacrificing texture.

Try a few new kitchen gadgets, too. Use an avocado slicer next time you’re making guacamole or avocado toast. Mince garlic without the fuss of chopping by hand—use a garlic chopper instead. Add extra fun to the cooking process by trying out wacky new gadgets you didn’t know you needed. Meat tenderizers that add marinade, knives that heat up and make slicing butter a snap—try a new utensil every week. You might find little hacks to shave time off that routine you’re breaking!

Try Unconventional Ingredients

If you tend to stick to a few basic dishes, branch out by swapping your regular ingredients for variations you’ve never tried before. Turn spaghetti night on its head by using noodles dyed with squid ink. Knock your dinner guests’ socks off with portobello mushroom burgers; the vegetarians at the table will be begging for your recipe. And if you’re planning a roast dinner for a special occasion, why not buy Wagyu beef instead of your grocery store go-to? Wagyu’s unique flavor elevates any beef-based dish with its buttery texture and umami flavor. It makes for splendid roasts, burgers, and even meatballs.

Amp up those vegetables you’re roasting in the air fryer (see above!) by adding sliced daikon radishes to the mix. Use ghee instead of regular butter to fry your eggs. Think about all your favorite dishes that you cook on a regular basis. Next time you’re in the kitchen, swap out one or two ingredients for a variety you’ve never used before.

Update Your Utensils

How long have you relied on your kitchen knives? If your trusty knife set and block are more than a few years old, consider replacing them with a fresh set. Working with new utensils adds excitement to the cooking process. You’ll be mesmerized as you watch your brand-new knife chop veggies with precision.

Add a little extra brightness to your kitchen with unique measuring spoons and cups, too. Whisks, spatulas, wooden spoons—treat yourself to one or two fancy new utensils. Every whimsical addition to your kitchen will get you excited to cook.

Sample New Cultures

Did you know that Indian cooking uses spices in an entirely different way than, say, French cooking? European sensibilities tend to pair similar flavors together—onions with garlic, parsley with oregano, and so on. Indian cuisine, meanwhile, combines flavor profiles that have little to no common ground. For example, cayenne is a common ingredient in any curry. Any Indian dish that contains cayenne isn’t likely to have similar flavors. Instead, cumin offers a contrasting flavor that enhances both ingredients. Take a cue from Indian chefs and experiment with complementary spices you’ve never paired before.

Look around the world for cooking techniques you’ve never tried before, too. Famous in the Caribbean, jerk chicken is slathered in spices before being slow-cooked over a fire of green pimento wood. Confit, perfected in the Pyrenees mountains, refers to cuts of meat submerged and cooked in their own fat. And tamales, a classic Central American street food, are traditionally wrapped in corn husks before cooking. Try out some adventurous methods! You might find one or two that stick with you.

Make a Game of It

If you’re a dedicated foodie, you probably watch your fair share of cooking shows and videos. Take inspiration from them! Next time you’re in the kitchen, pretend you’re hosting a cooking show. Gather all your ingredients in a picture-perfect mise en place, complete with tiny containers or bowls for each herb and spice. Add aesthetic precision to your cooking routine, and you’ll see it through fresh eyes.

You can also go head-to-head with a friend or partner in a timed competition. When you place a time limit on yourself and embrace your competitive spirit, the cooking process becomes much more fun. Even if you’re by yourself in the kitchen, set a timer and keep an eye on it.

Creativity flourishes with limitations. If you’ve never cooked a vegan or gluten-free meal, why not try it? Bake bread with unique flours. Experiment with substitutes for eggs, butter, and milk. Perfect your recipes and make exquisite meals by limiting yourself just a little bit.

Get out of that rut you’ve been in! Shake up your kitchen with a few changes, from the simple to the adventurous. Do something different in the kitchen every day and challenge yourself to cook like you’ve never cooked before. When swapping out your grocery-store beef for a more decadent variety, look no further than Lone Mountain Wagyu and buy Wagyu beef from our versatile selection. When you know how to change up your everyday cooking habits, you’ll break that routine in a snap. Variety is, after all, the spice of life. Grab those spices and dive into a bright culinary future!

You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to make your favorite chef smile. Check out this starter list of ideas that will make their day. These thoughtful gift ideas for the master chef in your kitchen are one-way tickets to having luxuriousness at home.

Sharpening Stone

Your beloved master chef may already have a prized set of knives they use every day. But that’s just it—they use those knives every day! Help them keep their knife set in tip-top condition with a quality sharpening stone and honing oil to lubricate it.

Compact Air Fryer

An air fryer is the perfect tabletop convection oven. And it doesn’t have to dominate your countertop. Pick out a small-sized variety that fits well in the kitchen. You can even include a little sack of potatoes in your gift so that they can start making some air-fried chips or French fries right away!

Gourmet Meat Gift Box

Edible gifts often come in the form of fruits, cheeses, or chocolates. Subvert your loved one’s expectations by giving the gift of meat. Lone Mountain Wagyu’s spread of choice cuts will make their mouths water. A Wagyu gift box allows you to have a gourmet meal conveniently delivered to your home.

Mortar and Pestle

The humble mortar and pestle have been around for thousands of years for a good reason. They’re perfect for grinding spices and releasing their fragrances into the air. A marble mortar and pestle will look chic on your countertop, and your loved one will appreciate the down-to-earth feel of grinding their spices by hand.

Onion Goggles

Keep the master chef in your life from weeping when they chop onions! A pair of onion goggles is a perfect gift for the chef who already seems to have everything. They may not have heard of them, but these handy goggles solve an age-old problem and keep your loved one’s eyes clear as they chop.

Next time you shop for the home chef in your kitchen, think outside the box. Amp up their menu for the week with a Wagyu gift box, or allow them to treat their knives to a good sharpening stone. These thoughtful gift ideas for the master chef in your kitchen will make them smile the next time they cook.

What makes Wagyu beef so special? The unique threads of fat running through the muscle fibers create a uniquely buttery texture when you bite into it. Learn why every steak lover should eat Wagyu beef and take advantage of Lone Mountain Wagyu’s selection of prime cuts. Your guests—and your health—will thank you.

It’s Deluxe

Bringing a cut of Wagyu beef into your kitchen is like a trip to Japan without the price of plane tickets. A luxury cut of meat is an easy way to bring a high-end lifestyle into your home. From specially-bred Wagyu cattle to your dinner table, that delicious steak’s journey is worth it. Buy a Wagyu steak online and treat it with care as you prepare a five-star meal at home.

It’s Delicious

Wagyu beef is known for its tenderness and high fat content. The fat in Wagyu beef has a lower melting point than the human body’s temperature, so it literally melts in your mouth. Wagyu cattle receive extra love and care to maintain the high quality and delicious taste of the meat. From being fed the best food available to being massaged and serenaded, Wagyu cattle farmers ensure the delicious taste of the meat by treating the cows with respect.

It’s Healthy

Did you know that the fat in Wagyu beef is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as those omega-3s and omega-6s you’ve heard about? It’s true—all that fat you see running through the muscle is good for you. Those monounsaturated fats work to lower your LDL levels (the “bad” cholesterol) while raising HDL levels (the “good” cholesterol).

When you’re shopping for Wagyu steak online, let Lone Mountain Wagyu be your one-stop shop. Our selection of prime cuts is perfect for steak lovers, and you’ll find yourself reaching for Wagyu every time you’re hungry for top-quality steak. You now know why every steak lover should eat Wagyu beef instead of the grocery store stuff, so pick up a steak for yourself and taste the difference!

Get some more use out of your grill before you cover it up for the season. Invite your friends and family to a cookout that combines classic casual fare with upscale elements. Treat your summer send-off like a family challenge and encourage everyone to help. With this list of ideas and the help of your loved ones, your Labor Day bash will be unforgettable. Keep these Labor Day 2021 grilling ideas for the whole family at your side as you plan and prep. Happy grilling!

Grilled Veggies

Grilled corn is an absolute must on your grill this Labor Day. Next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up a few ears of fresh corn. Enlist the family’s help in shucking it. When you’re ready to grill, keep a few ears of corn intact, and snap a few in half for a kid-friendly size. Watch those grill marks appear as you and your crew anticipate drenching your corn in butter.

Got any kebab sticks collecting dust in your silverware drawer? If not, grab a few metal kebab sticks with handles at the end so you can hold them more easily. Brainstorm a few veggies you know your family loves, like red onions and mushrooms. If you’re going for onions, cut the large ones into quarters before tossing them in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add other seasonings if you like. Consult with your family and ask for their favorites. You can even enlist the kids’ help and let them toss the veggies—let them get their hands oily! Once your skewers are stacked with seasoned veggies, place them on the grill and keep a close eye on them. A little charring adds flavor, but too much will render them inedible.

While we’re on the subject of veggies, let’s talk about Brussels sprouts for a minute. They’re often unpopular with kids due to their unique taste. If their first experience with Brussels sprouts is bitter and unpleasant, they may swear never to eat them again. But when cooked and seasoned properly, they’re a delicious addition to any meal. Toss some Brussels sprouts in olive oil and your favorite seasonings, skewer them onto those kebab sticks, and grill them to perfection. You may win those kids back over.

Delightful Main Courses

The meat lovers in your life will arrive to your cookout hungry for hamburgers and hot dogs. Why not give them a little extra treat with gourmet meat? Lone Mountain Wagyu has a wide and surprising selection of delicious Wagyu products. Forgo those grocery-store franks in favor of Wagyu sausage, and either dress it up with hot dog fixings or bite into it on its own. Adults and kids alike will love the exquisite taste and tender texture.

Grilling burgers may be a job reserved for grown-ups, but there’s no reason why the younger ones can’t help set the table. Have them set up a full condiment bar, complete with diced onions and Dijon mustard. (Add homemade options too, like chimichurri or sauerkraut.) While the kids are arranging the ketchup bottles, break out a few Wagyu burger patties and set them on the grill. The famous fat content of Wagyu beef will stand out, and your burgers will be supremely juicy. If your family loves cheese on their burgers, have some classic sliced cheddar, or any cheese you like, on hand. When your burgers are done, don’t forget to let them rest for a few minutes before serving them up. If you cut or bite into a burger fresh off the grill, all the juices will spill out and you’ll be left with dry meat.

If you want to get extra creative with your burger artistry, pick up some ground Wagyu chuck and make the patties yourself. That way, you’ll be able to customize them. Incorporate your favorite herbs and spices into the meat before you shape it and slap it on the grill. Smaller hands and mouths may appreciate sliders more than big burgers. You can even make stuffed pub burgers for the hungriest among you! Pub burgers differ from their classic counterparts due to their large ovoid shape. And when your guest bites into one and tastes gooey brie cheese on the inside, they’ll beg you for the recipe.

All Those Extras

It really is the little things that make a meal special. Put extra effort and care into every part of the cookout experience. Instead of plain burger buns, pick up some sourdough rolls. (If you’ve got a baker in the family, those rolls can come from your own oven instead of the grocery store!) Slice them in half, brush them with butter, and lightly grill them to add a little crunch to the burger experience.

Speaking of butter, why not clarify it? You can do it in your own kitchen with a saucepan and a few sticks of unsalted butter. (If you use salted butter, that salty flavor will become more concentrated and affect the taste.) Melt the butter over low heat—don’t boil it!—and watch the milk solids rise to the top. With a slotted spoon, carefully skim off those milk solids. You’ll be left with pure, melted butterfat. Clarified butter works wonders on burger buns and potato salad. (It also keeps well in the fridge for months to come!)

Grilling takes some time, so you’ll want to have snacks and sides on hand for your guests to munch on as they wait for the main course. Chips and dip are a classic go-to, especially if you make those dips yourself. Salsa, queso, and guacamole are popular complements to the humble tortilla chip, and they’re easy to customize.

Remember the condiment table you and the kids set up? A few homemade elements add a personal touch. Make your own sauerkraut if the family likes it on their hot dogs. Chimichurri sauce also makes a perfect complement to a Wagyu sausage or burger, and it’s easy to make at home!

As you prepare to bid this summer adieu, make the send-off a family occasion. Enlist everyone’s help in preparing the meal, and they’ll be proud to bite into it. From grilled onions to Wagyu burgers, add a little extra oomph to every element of the meal. With these Labor Day 2021 grilling tips for the whole family, your loved ones will look forward to keeping the tradition for years to come. Let Lone Mountain Wagyu help you make your cookout a success!

When you peruse Lone Mountain Wagyu’s selection of Wagyu beef products, you may be surprised to find sausage links among them. Our Wagyu sausage is superior to other links in its purity—there’s no filler material here! Along with our guides to steak and roast, read on for your complete guide to Wagyu beef: sausage edition.

What’s in It?

You won’t find any hormones or additives in our Wagyu sausage. Naturally gluten and dairy-free, we use a decadent selection of brisket, filet mignon, ribeye, and other cuts to grind into gourmet links. You may not see the actual marbling of the fat anymore, but rest assured that it’s in there! One bite into a link of our Wagyu sausage, and you’ll taste its remarkable difference from mass-produced links.

How Do I Cook It?

How do you cook other sausages? You don’t need to treat Wagyu sausage with kid gloves, but do know that Lone Mountain Wagyu ships all of our Wagyu beef products frozen and uncooked. Thaw it out according to your preference, and if you’re hosting a cookout, throw it on the barbecue and grill it the way you’d grill any other sausage. If you prefer to cook on a skillet, use medium-high heat and enough water to cover the bottom ¼ of the links. Cook on each side for about three minutes or until the water boils off. Add a pat of butter (about ½ tablespoon) and continue to cook, flipping regularly, until browned.

What Occasions Call For It?

Next time someone in your family wants to go out for dinner, pull your Wagyu sausages out of the fridge or freezer instead! Birthdays, family get-togethers, and even simple Sunday night dinners get a luxurious kick with any Wagyu product. And sausages are just as easy to eat as they are to cook!

Give simple meals a decadent twist when you replace your regular links with Wagyu sausage. Each bite is brimming with prime cuts of Wagyu and its famously healthy fat content. These juicy sausages are a welcome addition to any cookout and fit perfectly into any bun. Ensure quality meat in your future with this complete guide to Wagyu beef: sausage edition.

When you rip open your package from Lone Mountain Wagyu and bring that meat into the kitchen, you want to treat it with care. Learn what makes Wagyu beef structurally unique and use those features to your advantage as you cut into it. Learn why it is important to cut meat against the grain.

What Is the Grain?

The grain of a piece of meat refers to the direction of the muscle fibers running through it. Look at the meat and notice the lines running across it. Those are the muscle fibers—that’s the grain you’re looking for. Cut at an angle perpendicular to those lines, and you’ll ensure a more tender bite.

Why Does It Matter?

When you order Wagyu beef online, you purchase a gift for everyone at your table—including yourself—and you want to honor that gift. Make the most out of a luxury cut of meat by cutting it against the grain into perfectly buttery, chewable bites. You don’t want to be known as the cook who serves up a tough steak!

What Difference Does It Make?

One of the hallmark features of Wagyu beef is the intricate marbling of fat between the muscle. The fat gets all the glory for being delicious and unique, but don’t downplay the importance of the muscle that encases it. When you leave those long muscle fibers intact, your dinner guests will have to chew harder to break down those fibers. Cutting against the grain ensures tenderness in each bite; you get a little muscle and fat in every piece.

Next time you order Wagyu beef online, put your knife skills to the test and serve up luxurious morsels your dinner guests will remember fondly. When you cut against the grain, your roast or steak becomes easier to chew, so you can focus more on the taste of the meat itself. These are the crucial reasons why it is important to cut meat against the grain. Now that you’ve got this knowledge, you can turn your delivery from Lone Mountain Wagyu into a meal to remember!

If you’re new to the world of Wagyu beef, you may look at its famously marbled fat content and think, “That can’t be healthy.” Actually, it can—and it is! When you invest in a good Wagyu roast, you treat yourself not only to superior taste, but also to unique health benefits. It’s not as simple as believing that all fats are bad, or that if something tastes amazing, there’s got to be a catch. There’s no catch here: Wagyu beef is healthy and packed with monounsaturated fatty acids. It makes a decadent dinner any day of the week. Let’s look at a few of the important health benefits of Wagyu beef.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Protein

Remember the food pyramid from school? One of the most critical building blocks is protein, which we can find in eggs, nuts, legumes—and meat! Wagyu beef isn’t all fat; it’s extremely high in protein and it’s a delicious way to get that serving into your meal. Some people are wary of having too much red meat in their diet, but the benefits of Wagyu make this beef worth it.

Iron is also a crucial element of a healthy diet, and Wagyu beef is positively packed with it. If you find yourself sluggish from an iron deficiency, grab a Wagyu roast from Lone Mountain Wagyu and replenish those iron levels. Wagyu beef is also a prime supplier of B vitamins. Beef up your vitamin intake!

The vast majority of Wagyu beef producers agree that extra minerals are essential to raising healthy cattle. We at Lone Mountain Wagyu feed our cattle healthy grain blends, and we take care to feed them slowly and incrementally instead of inducing rapid weight gain. We raise our cattle humanely and provide our customers with meat from healthy, happy cows. The health of the cow contributes to the health of the meat—and the health of its consumer.

Healthy Fat Content

The difference between saturated fats (the “bad” kind) and unsaturated fats (the “good” kind) has a direct effect on your cholesterol levels. Wagyu beef has a high concentration of monounsaturated fats, which your body can break down easily. These monounsaturated fatty acids (known as MUFAs) also lower the amount of low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs, in your system. The ratio of unsaturated fats to saturated fats in Wagyu beef is higher than that in almost any other meat.

LDLs are fatty acids that carry cholesterol around your body and often dump it on your artery walls. Arterial blockages can often lead to heart disease and cardiac events. HDLs (high-density lipoproteins), however, actually carry the cholesterol to your liver. The liver then metabolizes and eliminates that cholesterol from your body. Wagyu beef increases the amount of HDLs in your system—so eating a good cut of Wagyu roast beef can actually lower your risk of heart disease!

Thanks to its uniquely marbled fat, 100 percent Wagyu beef has a higher concentration of MUFAs, those monounsaturated fatty acids, than any other meat in the country. Eating meats high in MUFAs is proven to be healthier than a diet of lean meats. You can also find MUFAs in nuts and olive oil.

Let’s take a closer look at those fatty acids. Wagyu beef is packed with all the essential amino acids, including all the omega-3s and omega-6s you’ve probably heard about. Omega-3s are crucial to building strong cell walls everywhere in your body, including the heart, lungs, and brain. That’s right: not only are you doing your heart a favor by choosing Wagyu beef, but you’re also improving brain function and lung health. Omega-6 fatty acids assist HDLs in clearing “bad” cholesterol from your body, and they also assist in improving brain health. Wagyu beef may make you more alert and stave off sluggishness and depression. Bring a smile to your face by digging into a Wagyu roast or burger.

What Is CLA?

Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA for short, is another fatty acid found in Wagyu beef. Wagyu has a higher concentration of CLA than beef from other cattle breeds. In fact, Wagyu beef contains more CLA per gram than most other foods in general! This fatty acid is another important assistant in fighting off heart disease.

Health food stores often sell CLA as a weight loss supplement, but it’s particularly effective when you consume food that contains it naturally. Your body most easily absorbs nutrients directly from your diet, as opposed to supplements.

You may see a great deal of fat running through the muscle in your Wagyu roast, but don’t fret. Your body knows that it’s good for you. Erase the stigma around fats and remind yourself that you need at least some fat to balance a healthy diet. Fats aren’t inherently bad! In fact, some are actively healthy for you. The decadent tenderness of Wagyu beef can actually lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Monounsaturated fatty acids have a lower fat melting point, which contributes to that smooth, tender texture. The better your Wagyu beef tastes and feels in your mouth, the better it is for you. Substitute your regular beef products with Wagyu, and you may find yourself losing extra body fat and maintaining a healthy weight.

Whether you’re in the market for sausages, burgers, or a good roast, consider replacing your grocery store beef with prime cuts from Lone Mountain Wagyu. The benefits are many and varied, including a healthy dose of iron and a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. When you taste your first bite of Wagyu, you may think that it’s too good to be true. But those are the facts: fatty, tender, delicious meats can also be a source of important health benefits. Don’t be afraid of fat or red meat. Learn how different amino acids work in your body, and you can make informed decisions about your diet. As you do, add some room in your fridge for a top-quality cut of beef courtesy of Lone Mountain Wagyu. Now that you’ve learned a few of the important health benefits of Wagyu beef, give a delicious Wagyu roast a try at your next family dinner.