Okay, so yesterday (September 29th) was National Coffee Day. Who knew?

Well, some people knew. But I didn’t.

Until today. But there’s no reason we can’t celebrate today, right?

So in honor of National Coffee Day, I give you this recipe for Black Pepper Coffee Strip Steak. Or this one for Coffee Crusted Steak from Kevin and Amanda. Looks so tasty!

They’re mmm, mmmm good. The great thing is you don’t even have to like coffee to like these recipes. The flavor is not overly pungent, just enough to give it some interest.

Perfect.

So go enjoy a coffee-flavored steak. There’s always a reason to celebrate with steak, I tell you!

Have a java good time!

Photo courtesy of KevinandAmanda.com.

Sandra Lee is famous for knowing what she’s doing in the kitchen. That’s why I defer to her and anyone else with an authority in that area. I need to follow directions in the kitchen.

If I don’t, the results are disastrous.

So…this recipe for coffee-crusted beef tenderloin appeared on Good Morning America and it sounds absolutely divine. Get your beef tenderloin here for optimal results.

You won’t be sorry.

Thank you, Sandra Lee, for saving my kitchen from an explosion. I owe ya one.

Let me know how YOU enjoy this!

Okay, we’ve seen the use of coffee in flavoring a steak before. But here’s a different twist on that, PLUS a recipe for barbecue steak fries!

Holy BBQ, Batman! Enjoy . . .

Coffee and Pepper Steak

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped green onions

3/4 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup molasses

1 1/2 tablespoons instant coffee, preferably espresso roast

1 1/2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

One 1 1/2 pound sirloin steak (or flank steak)

Salt to taste

Directions:

In medium bowl, stir together onions, vinegar, oil, molasses, coffee powder, pepper and mustard until completely blended.

With a sharp knife, make parallel 1/2 inch-deep slashes, about 2 inches apart, on both sides of steak. Transfer the steak to a zippered plastic bag and add the marinade, making sure steak is completely coated. Refrigerate for six hours or overnight.

Spray your grill with non-stick coating and heat to medium-high. Season both sides of the steak with salt. Grill the steak directly over the heat four to six minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to suit your personal taste.

Set steak on a cutting board, cover with foil and let stand for about five minutes for juices to settle, before slicing diagonally. Transfer to serving plate and serve with a crisp salad and corn on the cob or your favorite vegetable. This recipe serves about 4.

If you’d like to barbecue a nice accompaniment for your steak, try these easy steak fries on the grill.

Barbecued Steak Fries

Directions:

Cut four medium russet potatoes in half lengthwise and then cut each half into four thick wedges. Bring about 2 cups of water to boiling in a medium sauce pan and add potatoes.

Lower heat to medium and cook potatoes, covered, for about eight to 10 minutes or until they are almost tender. Drain and cool.

Place cooled potatoes in a large bowl. Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon each of your favorite herbs and spices. For example, you could use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, dried rosemary or whatever else you like. Drizzle the mixture over the potato wedges, tossing gently and being careful not to break them.

Place the potato wedges on the upper rack of the barbecue while your steak is cooking, and grill the potatoes for six to 10 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of kitsapsun.com.

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.