This weekend, the hubby and I got to go out and feel what it’s like to be people for just a little while again. You know, instead of slaves to a 7- and 5-year-old. (Whom we adore, but must escape from sometimes to realize that.)

We dropped the kids at my parents’ house and they never even looked back. The prospect of the rapt attention of Grandpa was just too overwhelming for them. And with a wink from Nana, we were off.

We briefly discussed heading for the U.S./Mexico border but decided by the time we got there we’d miss ’em again.

So we settled for a steakhouse.

Now, we usually like to cook our own steaks at home. But it was time to get out of the house so we decided we’d let someone else try to live up to our standards.

Good luck.

The ambiance was nice, and there was live piano music — something that doesn’t happen at my house unless I want to play with my feet while I cook dinner.

The wine was flowing and we got to talk about how we’re going to achieve all the goals we’ve set for ourselves and our family. Not an easy feat. But with a plan, we’re on our way.

When the food came, it was, I’ll admit, delightful. But it was missing the one ingredient I always use at home — Teriyaki sauce.

I know it’s weird, but that’s the way I like it.

How do you like yours? Can a steakhouse ever deliver what YOU’RE looking for?

Photo courtesy of parkcitiesprime.com.

It’s an age-old question.

Well, it’s as old as refrigeration. And that’s old.

What is the best way to thaw a steak?

There are many schools of thought.

Some, like AlmostLuver over at Help.com, says “Put the package in really warm water…keep it wrapped, though. Also, you can thaw it in the microwave…most microwaves have a defrost setting. 🙂 Good luck!!”

Others, like Sully, say, “The best way to thaw a steak (or any meat) is to put it in the fridge the day before. It will never get warm enough this way for bacteria to start becoming active. They are already in the meat. You want them dormant until cooking. Thats the healthiest way. The worst way is the microwave. If you are needing it thawed quickly, then put it in warm water. Warm means 145 Fahrenheit. As soon as it is thawed, cook it or refrigerate it. Never re-freeze meat! It will sour much quicker if you do.”

I, personally, like to go by the guidelines given by the Kansas City Steak Company.  They say this. . .

Thawing Instructions

Do thaw your meats in the refrigerator, because it enhances the flavor by preserving the natural tenderness. It will take at least 24 hours for steaks and at least 3 days for roasts to thaw depending on the thickness.

Don’t use a microwave or soak your meats in water to hasten thawing. Microwaving and soaking affect the rich flavor and tenderness that make these steaks and roasts so special.

Now that sounds like good advice.

Another good resource is this fabulous article over at ehow.com.  It even has cool vintage photos of an old, old freezer. Awesomeness.

What do you think?

Photo courtesy of ehow.com.

That is one gorgeous cut of beef!

Ribeye is my favorite and it’s blogger Melody’s fave too!

Here’s her post over at BouchonFor2.com with an amazing ribeye recipe.

Thyme-Infused Red Quinoa with Lemon-Mustard Black Kale with Ribeye

Ingredients

2 cups red quinoa

2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

2 bunches of kale, aprox 1.5 lbs.

1 fennel bulb, white parts only, diced

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 cup grainy mustard

1 bunch thyme

Olive Oil, S&P

Preparation

Quinoa: Place in a fine sieve and rinse under cold water until water runs clear. Initial red and foamy water is normal.

Thyme: Tie the sprigs together with twine or spend 10 minutes picking them out like I did.

Stock: Bring to a boil.

Kale: Strip the leaves from the stalk by grabbing the stalk by the bottom and pulling the leaves towards the tip. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Directions

In a large pot, sweat the fennel on medium heat with the garlic in some olive oil. When the fennel is tender, add the quinoa and continue to cook for 2 minutes.

Add the hot stock, 2 tsp. of salt, and thyme bundle, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.

The quinoa is done when all the liquid is absorbed and little white curls are released. When ready, remove the thyme, fluff through with a fork, cover, and keep warm.

In a deep skillet, heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the kale in by handfuls and welt it down for about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Unlike other leafy greens, kale does not release much liquid.)

When the kale is tender, stir in the mustard and lemon zest + juice.

Toss the kale into the warm quinoa.

Serve with beef below.

Serves 4 as main dish.

Ribeye is my favorite cut for steak. A pristine piece is distinctly flavorful, tender yet toothsome, and releases the proper amount of fatty juices with each bite.

To cook the proper steak is to not fear, over- think, or complicate it.

Rub the slab down with some oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt.

Sear both sides quickly in a hot skillet, transfer to a baking pan, and a finish it in hot oven (400 °F) for several minutes.

A rare steak will feel soft and remain slightly indented after a poke, while a medium rare steak will spring back gently.

Use a meat thermometer if you are not confident to test its doneness by touch initially. For a medium rare steak, remove it at 125-130 °F.

Remember that the residual heat will continue to cook it during the resting time.

Cover the meat gently with foil and allow it to rest until the moisture re-absorbs (8-10 minutes).

Slice it thinly against the grain.

Refrain from drooling.

Lay it over the Quinoa and garnish with a sprig of basil.

Serve with a ripe, freshly sliced tomato.

No sauce, no jus, maybe just a dollop of tangy horseradish mustard.

Large, crunchy flakes of Black Lava Salt can’t hurt though!

Recipe and photos courtesy of BouchonFor2.com.