Thursday, January 26, 2012

Dr. Pepper Flank Steak


DR. PEPPER FLANK STEAK


  • 1-2 lb. flank steak 
  • 1 1/2 cups(1 can) Dr.Pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 cinnamon stick  
GRILL SEASONING
  • 1 tablespoons seasoning salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder  
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar 
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin 
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground thyme 

MARINADE FLANK STEAK 

1.Put flank steak in a gallon Ziploc freezer bag with Dr. Pepper, garlic cloves, & cinnamon place in the fridge for 4-24 hours or place in the freezer to cook another time. 
Mix grill seasoning together in a small Ziploc bag & set aside.


 2. When the steak is ready to cook, remove from Ziploc bag, place on a tray, dry steak off with a paper towel, & discard marinade and bag. Sprinkle grill seasoning generously on both sides of the steak. 

COOKING FLANK STEAK 

3. Cook flank steak on a grill, medium heat, about 4-5 minutes on each side or longer for well done.

4. When the steak is done cooking place on a plate & cover with foil for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to settle.

5. Slice flank steak against the grain and sprinkle some of the remaining seasoning on the steak when ready to serve. 

Sides

Garlic Mashed Potatoes 


Roasted Brussel Sprouts  


PLATE FINISHED PRODUCT 

DR. PEPPER FLANK STEAK, GARLIC MASHED 
POTATOES, & BRUSSEL SPROUTS 


STORY BEHIND THE DISH
Years ago my sister & I used to buy prepared dinners from a placed called Super Suppers in Fountain Valley. Since the location in our city closed, I have been trying to recreate one of our favorite meals, Dr. Pepper Flake Steak. I know what you are thinking...that sounds weird!? Believe me, whether you are a fan or not of Dr. Pepper, this flank steak recipe is worth a try!

MODIFICATIONS 
Any type of potatoes & veggies pair well with this flank steak.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Citrus Quinoa Salad

CITRUS QUINOA SALAD 

Citrus quinoa salad, with arugula, sliced pear, cranberries, 
& almonds, topped with orange slices

SALAD
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked white quinoa (Boil 1 cup dry quinoa in 2 cups water, stir, & simmer for 15 minutes or until water is gone)
  • 1 cup arugula washed 
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries 
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds 
  • 1 medium fresh pear diced 
  • 1/2 fresh orange, or other citrus, sliced and peeled (save to top dish) 
  • Save some arugula, diced pear, & cranberries on the side for plating 

CITRUS DRESSING 
  • 1/4 cup olive oil 
  • 1/8 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar 
  • 1/8 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (use other half from salad)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest  
  • 1 garlic clove minced 
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt & pepper 


MIX DRESSING

 1. Whisk together all dressing items: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, zest, garlic, salt, & pepper

 2. In a mixing bowl add quinoa, arugula, diced pear, almonds, 
& cranberries

MIX SALAD 

3. Pour 1/2 of the dressing over the salad & mix gently, 
add more dressing as needed

 4. Place extra arugula, pear, & cranberries on a plate. 
Scoop one cup of citrus quinoa salad in a measuring cup & place it in center of the plate on top of the arugula mix.

PLATE FINISHED PRODUCT 

Citrus quinoa salad, with arugula, diced pear, cranberries, 
& almonds, topped with orange slices

5. Top citrus salad with slices of orange & serve.

STORY BEHIND THE DISH
Last month at our girls holiday party my friend Alicia brought a delicious citrus quinoa salad. I put a little twist on the recipe and thought I would share it.

MODIFICATIONS 
There are many different fruits or veggies that can be added to this recipe. Alicia used cherry tomatoes but since I am not much of a tomatoes person I added cranberries instead. I used an orange for the citrus, but a tangerine, blood orange, or even grape fruit would work well. You can also use an apple in replace of the pear. Lastly, you can use any other nut or seed, walnuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, etc. 

Monday, January 23, 2012

Blackened Salmon, Quinoa, & Spinach Salad


BLACKENED SALMON 
QUINOA WITH BEETS, SPINACH SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES,
 GOAT CHEESE, & PINE NUTS 


BLACKENED SALMON 
  • Salmon Fillet 4-6oz
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
  • Blackened Rub - mix together 1 teaspoon seasoning salt, 1 teaspoon ground pepper, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic flakes or powder, & 1 teaspoon paprika 

1. Rub olive oil over the top of the salmon fillet 

2. Sprinkle and pat down blackened rub over the top of the salmon 

3. Place fillet face down in a med-high heat lightly oiled skillet or on a grill, cook about 3 minutes 

4. Turn face up to finish cooking, about 1-2 minutes 


RED QUINOA WITH BEETS 
  • 1-2 cups cooked red quinoa (Boil 1 cup dry quinoa in 2 cups water, stir, & simmer for 15 minutes or until water is gone) 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil mixed with 1 teaspoon salt & pepper 
  • 1/2 cup diced beets (fresh or canned) 
Mix all three parts together when ready to plate 


SPINACH SALAD 
  • 1-2 cups baby spinach washed 
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese 
  • 1/8 cup pine nuts (or any nut of your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette (I use Newman's Light or just mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, & italian seasoning) 


Toss spinach with dressing & add toppings when ready to plate 


PLATE FINISHED PRODUCT 

BLACKENED SALMON, QUINOA WITH BEETS, SPINACH SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES, GOAT CHEESE, & PINE NUTS 


STORY BEHIND THE DISH
I recreated this dish from a dinner I enjoyed at True Food Kitchen in Newport Beach. I liked the idea of the quinoa mixed with the beets and I thought the light spinach salad paired well with the bold flavors of the salmon.

MODIFICATIONS 
If you are not a fish person you can substitute the fish for blackened chicken or a pork chop by using the same rub on both sides. Also, white or black quinoa will work just as well. If you do not have quinoa on hand or do not wish to use it, brown rice would be a good substitute.