Steak ... with a little "Wake Me Up" ...

Steak with Coffee and Ancho Chile Rub, paired with Sweet Potatoes with Orange Essence ... photographed in front of the cookbook they came from! Thank you, Ellie Kreiger for a GREAT meal! (A. Mayberry)

 No, this is NOT a photo of burnt steak. I couldn't murder a perfectly good steak!

Another delicious creation found in Ellie Kreiger's "The Food You Crave", this Steak with Coffee and Ancho Chile rub is a must try.... seriously. Perhaps an early idea for Father's Day!

Espresso coffee grounds, dry mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, ground corriander, and ancho chile powder make a delicious rub for a 1 1/4 pound steak. Rub the spice mixture on both sides of the steak and let it stand for 10-15 minutes before cooking so that the flavors begin to permeate the meat.

Meanwhile, I steamed 2 medium sweet potatoes until they were soft enough to mash (about 20 minutes). Place them in a bowl suitable for mashing (I used a corningware) and mash with 1/4 cup of milk, a little brown sugar, nutmeg and 1 t of orange zest and 2 T of orange juice.

The recipe calls to pan fry the steak for just a few minutes on each side until it is medium rare. However, you can also grill the steak, or cook it longer for a slightly less pink done-ness. Just be sure to monitor the moisture still in the meat so that you don't overcook it to become shoe leather. :0p

The steak had a wonderful flavor ... a little smokiness from the cooked ground espresso -- makes a decadent pair with the juices and taste of the steak. All of the other spices combine to add a little punch. But don't be afraid of the coffee. Proportionately, there is not enough on your individual piece of meat to keep you wired.

And the sweet potatoes .... sweet and yet light and refreshing because of the citrus addition. When I make it next time, I will probably add EITHER the zest OR the juice, not both. Though it was still delicious, the citrus begins to quickly overpower the sweet potatoes.

These two recipes made a great pair together ... a little yin and yang ... light and refreshing with a more heavily flavored steak. A good glass of red wine would be an "okay" match .... but to find one that compliments both of these flavors would be a bit of a challenge. Perhaps a Boston Lager (like Sam Adams) would make a better pair for those looking to make this a "Fine Dining Experience".

With my husband as my co-chef, we had the whole meal kicked out in less than half-an-hour.  It was incredibly easy to prepare (as most of our meals are to begin with). A small-scale (and much cheaper) version of a steak house delight. Voila! Dinner for 2 ... your table awaits you!

Until the next blog, Buon Appetito!