February 18th, 2015

Steak and Wine Tasting Tips

Steak and Wine Tasting

I’m always confused which wines to serve with which dishes. I need a personal guide (maybe a cheat sheet) to help me navigate a steak and wine tasting.

I know that the right wine can bring out the flavor of a great steak – and vice versa. So I really want to get this right!

This handy chart shows us just what wine to serve with every meal – namely steak.

Want to serve beef tenderloin tips? Pair them with a nice Zinfandel for optimal flavor acceleration.

How about Sirloin steak? A lovely Mendoza will enhance the meal beautifully.

Try it for yourself and you’ll be a steak and wine pairing expert in no time!


February 16th, 2015

Mardi Gras Recipe

It’s almost Fat Tuesday! Mardi Gras is a time to celebrate and feast before Lent.

Food is such a big part of this fun time and we’ve gotta do it right!

When you think of a traditional Mardi Gras recipe there’s Chicken Andouille Gumbo, Shrimp Etouffee, Creole Fried Rice, Muffulettas and King Cake.

But what if, like me, you’re hankering for some beef this Mardi Gras? Well, lucky for us, there’s a recipe for that!

Check out this Mardi Gras steak recipe. You can create this using whichever steak cuts you love: Kobe beef, ribeyes – the choice is yours!

Mardi Gras Recipe

The Original New Orleans Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras Steak

Ingredients:
2 scallions, white and greens, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chopped red onions
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 tbsp. grated, peeled fresh ginger
1 tsp. minced, seeded jalapeno pepper
1 tbsp. ground coriander seeds
1/4 tsp. each black and cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. each dried basil and kosher salt
1 packed tbsp. light brown sugar
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup each red wine, the soy sauce and bourbon into the spice mixture, vinegar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey and olive oil
4 (8 oz.) Kansas City Strip Steaks

Directions: In a small bowl, combine the scallions, red onions, garlic, ginger and jalapeno pepper. In a large bowl combine the spices, basil, salt and sugar. Whisk the orange juice, both vinegars, soy sauce and bourbon into the spice mixture. Slowly drizzle the olive oil, whisking constantly. Add the scallion mixture and combine. Add the Kansas City Strip Steaks to the marinade and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight, turning once.

Bring to room temperature before grilling. Grill the steaks over hot coals 3-4 inches from the heat source for about 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Let rest for 10 minutes, before slicing against the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices. To serve, arrange the steaks on a large platter together with sliced tomato, onion, basil and fresh mozzarella salad.

The Salad:
2 large vine ripe tomatoes, sliced thick, 1 red onion, sliced thin, 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 8 oz. sliced fresh mozzarella. Topped with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with white balsamic vinegar.

 

 


February 13th, 2015

Valentine’s Day is Almost Here!

I don’t need a fancy gift for my husband this Valentine’s Day. He knows I love him when I shower him with food!

Valentine's Day Filet Mignon and Baked Potato

And it’s got to be beef.

Any beef will do. As long as it’s high quality.

Steaks of any cut. A Chateaubriand simmering in the oven. Beef tenderloin tips in the form of kabobs.

He loves them all!

And because I love him I’ll work in a steak dinner this weekend to make sure he knows I’m paying attention.

With all the hints he’s given me I’d be crazy not to!

What are your Valentine plans?

Are you “in between” Valentines this year? Then make yourself a beautiful steak dinner and show yourself some love!

You deserve it!


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