Happy Valentine’s Day
This classic steak recipe is a surefire way to a successful
Valentine’s Day meal. The steaks are seared with a peppercorn crust and finished with a decadent cream sauce. Don’t forget the chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert.
Steak Au Poivre… for two
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs. of Steak, (New York Strip, Prime Beef Top Sirloin, Rib Eye, Beef Tenderloin)
Kosher Salt and Coarsely Ground Fresh Peppercorns
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
11/2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon green peppercorns
1/3 cup of Brandy, Cognac, or Dry Sherry
1 cup of good beef broth
¼ cup heavy cream
Directions:
- Pat the steaks dry and sprinkle with the salt and pepper on both sides. Let steak rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- In a cast iron skillet heat olive oil, and 11/2 tablespoons of the butter on high to the smoking point. Place steak(s) in pan and reduce heat to medium, saute for 4 minutes, turn and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Holding the steak with tongs sear the edges. Remove and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Meanwhile, remove all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan. Cook the shallots for one minute on medium heat till tender then add the garlic cook just until fragrant. Add the spirits and cook until reduced to almost dry. Add the beef broth and green peppercorns cook on high until reduced by half. Remove from heat and swirl in the remaining butter and the 1/2 and 1/2. Keep sauce warm on low, stirring occasionally.
- Slice the steak thin and serve with the sauce poured over. This goes nicely with a green vegetable.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
The natural heart-shaped strawberry makes this a perfect Valentine’s Day treat.
- Large Strawberries with tops and stems (if available)
- 6oz.Chocolate (chips, melting wafers)
Gently rinse and dry, the strawberries. Microwave chocolate in a Pyrex measuring cup on high at 30-second intervals. Stir after each 30 seconds until melted.
Hold the strawberry by the leaves, dip into the chocolate up to about ¾ of the berry. Allow chocolate to drip off and brush end gently on the edge of the cup.
Set dipped strawberries upright on parchment or foil and allow to harden in the refrigerator, for 10 minutes.
ENJOY!