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!

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.

Romantic Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him can be tricky.

But the simplest way to come up with a winner is to think, “What does he like?”

Sounds easy enough, right?

My hubby LOVES beef. A steak cooked on our backyard grill is probably the pinnacle for him.

So what are the top steak gifts men like for Valentine’s Day? Here are my suggestions:

1. T-bone steaks. They’re hearty. And manly. And shaped like a heart!
2. Porterhouse steaks. These babies are man-sized and so delicious.
3. Kansas City strip steaks. You can’t go wrong with the meaty flavor of this cut. It’s my husband’s absolute favorite.

Try sending him a beautiful gift-boxed steak set. It’s sure to win his heart this Valentine’s Day.

And, if you’re lucky, he might even share with you!

A Paleo-style diet seems to be such an enjoyable way to a) lose weight and/or b) maintain a healthy body.

Grass fed beef is exactly what my body is screaming for. I’ve just GOT to eat something I love or I won’t stay the course. So choices like a grass fed Kansas City strip steak don’t feel like a restrictive diet to me.

‘Cause it’s not! I LOVE steaks!

A grass fed filet mignon also fits the bill. And it FEELS so decadent. But it’s not. It’s Paleo. And it’s delicious.

Have you tried any Paleo Recipes? For a beef lover like me, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered! Check out these Paleo options and explore for yourself!