Typically we think of the grill when cooking steak. But I can remember growing up watching my mom broil them in the oven and even pan frying them on the stovetop.

Well, I had a conversation the other evening about smoking steaks in a smoker. Wow! I am intrigued by the idea of infusing a rich, smoky taste into a ribeye or T-bone. What kind of wood would I use? Maybe mesquite or hickory?

I have been promised explicit instructions on how to smoke steaks in your smoker. And when I get them, I will post them here.

I, of course, will try it myself and I’ll let you know the verdict. It sounds tempting and different.

Let me know your thoughts. Do you have any unique ideas on how to jazz up your steaks?

If you ever want to make a change from the old standard baked potato as your side, here’s a recipe for some yummy, cheesy potatoes that’ll put you in high standing with your friends and family.

(They’re named after our friend Bonita who first introduced them to us — and she’s perfected them over the years.)

Bonita’s Potatoes

6 large baking potatoes
1 lb. bacon any kind (last used hickory smoked)
8-oz. sour cream
1 stick butter
½ lb. fresh grated mild cheddar cheese (not already grated with filler)
1 bunch green onions finely chopped just to dark green part
½ tablespoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Boil potatoes
Crunch cooked bacon
Grate cheese
Chop onions and sauté in 1-2 T bacon grease 

Drain potatoes
Add to a large bowl with 1 stick butter, crumbled bacon, ½ of cheddar cheese, sour cream, sautéed green onions, salt and pepper.
Whip with hand electric mixer.
Taste and add more of what you like to get the consistency of loaded mashed potatoes.

Top with rest of cheese and put in oven until cheese on top is melted.
(Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 min. to rewarm if you ever need to.)
Makes a lot for 8-10 normal people or 6 big guys.

Okay, we’ll start with the bad news and get it overwith. My Boys in Blue lost to the Giants in a heartbreaking game on Sunday. Are we SURE Jessica Simpson wasn’t there?

Anyway, the good news is my family and I drowned our sorrows in some incredible steaks after our crushing defeat. The filets, strips and ribeyes were exactly what the doctor ordered. (I lost my mind and thought my order included T-bones – no matter, the ribeyes were awesome. I think I like them better than T-bones now.)

We turned on the grill with 7 minutes to go in the 4th quarter when there was still a ray of hope that Romo and the boys would pull it out. But by the time the steaks were done so were the Cowboys.

It’s always nice to end the evening on a positive note so we concentrated on how tender and flavorful our steaks were. My parents joined us and we all had our steaks cooked to order. No seasoning for Dad – KC strip, medium well. No pink, please. We butterflied a filet for Mom and added the Steak and Prime Rib Seasoning that comes with all the KC Steaks orders. Yum!

All in all, a wonderful evening. There was really no “ugly” unless you count the shouting at the TV. And we’ll just pretend that never happened . . .