Steak Enthusiast

For the girl who has everything . . . well, I’ll bet she doesn’t have this!

She loves steak. She loves jewelry. She loves you. Why not buy her a ring that says it all?

I mean, who wouldn’t want to advertise their carnivorous desires each and every day? On your digits, no less!

If I had this ring I’d probably just save it for our special outings to steak dinners — or romantic steak meals at home around the dining table. But that’s me.

Hint:  Honey, here’s that holiday gift idea you were asking about.

Photo courtesy of etsy.com.

Oh, beautiful, delicious filet mignon. How I’ve missed you. I’ve been cheating on you. Most of my dates lately have been with ribeyes. I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?

When I think of your tender, juicy goodness I get little pangs of regret that I’ve been lured into choosing the rich, hearty taste of the ribeye.

I don’t know why I do it.

Habit?

Fear?

I don’t know.

Maybe it’s the draw of the cowboy, rogueish, bad boy ribeye. You know a girl can’t resist a bad boy.

But when I see photos of you like this I have to ask myself why. Why don’t I choose you lately? You’re so soft. And tender.

Women need that, too, you know. So, if just for now, I choose you, filet.

I choose YOU.

Filet Mignon with Red Onion and Tarragon Relish

Olive oil for the pan

1 large red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 cup red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot

1 1/2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh tarragon

Pepper

2 – 4 filets mignon

Salt and Pepper

Olive oil for the pan

For the Relish

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion, sugar and salt. Cook until the onion is soft, but not brown, stirring often. This should take about 5 minutes. Add the red wine and allow the liquid to gently simmer until evaporated, stirring often. About 5 – 10 minutes.

Add the vinegar and tarragon, stirring briefly. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

For the Steaks

Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper. Don’t hold back, do this like you mean it. Heat the oil in the pan over high heat until the oil starts to smoke. Carefully place the steaks in the skillet using tongs, and cook on the first side for about 4-5 minutes. Flip once that side is a deep brown. Continue to cook on the other side until done to your preference. This was about another 3-4 minutes for me (medium rare).

Transfer the steaks to a warm plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

To serve, mound the relish on top of each steak and enjoy.

Notes:

* Remember to bring your steaks to room temperature before cooking so that they heat evenly.

Heavenly photo and recipe courtesy of Cooking-Books.blogspot.com.

Looking for something quick — but yummy — that you can whip up in the middle of the week?

I keep these on hand for just those occasions . . .

These babies were hard as a rock when I decided that’s what we were having for dinner. Planning ahead just wasn’t happening on a Wednesday evening.

But that didn’t stop me.

I thawed the patties in the microwave on “defrost.” (Not my favorite method, but it was my only option.) Then I poured the olive oil in a pan, salt and peppered the steakburgers and we were off!

Soon, the house was smelling like a real home, with meat cooking and wine flowing. I found myself whistling and humming in anticipation of a meal that did not include “Mc” in its name or instructions like “Poke a hole in the plastic wrap to ventilate while microwaving.”

Thirty minutes from frozen to steaming hot on a plate is just perfect for me. And it meant a lot to skip the drive-thru. And THAT makes for a peaceful, pleasant dinner at home which I think is something we all crave whether you’re the chef or the grateful diner.