Decisive Living


Toasting Summer

(ARA) - Grilling reigns as a favorite summer activity. It’s easy, and brings family and friends together for meals. Add a little panache and this basic cooking method turns a meal into a reason to celebrate summer. Toast the season stylishly with Steak Salad Martini. This recipe offers just the right amount of flair while keeping things simple. It starts with flank steak that is marinated ahead of time. The robust beef flavor is balanced with the light, summery flavors of baby greens and Roma tomatoes. Blue cheese, bacon and Citrus Vodka Dressing add extra flavor highlights. Serve it in martini glasses for a chic presentation.

Once misunderstood, the flank steak’s image has been transformed. It is now appreciated as a relatively lean cut with full flavor. After marinating, grill it whole and allow it to rest before cutting. Then slice it across the natural grain. For this recipe, the slices are cut into small cubes. One flank steak will make four to six servings, depending on the recipe.

Steak Salad Martini

1 pound Certified Angus Beef flank steak

1 recipe Parisian Pizzazz Marinade (recipe below)

1 recipe Citrus Vodka Dressing (recipe below)

6 ounces micro greens or baby lettuce mix

6 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

3/4 cup toasted almond slivers

1/3 cup finely chopped red onions

3 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped

Place beef and marinade in shallow, glass dish and marinate 6 hours in refrigerator. Remove flank steak from marinade and discard marinade. Grill steak to 130 degrees F for medium rare and rest 10 minutes while covered. Cut into small cubes; set aside.

To assemble, place 1 ounce greens in each glass. Top with steak, blue cheese, bacon, almonds, onion and tomatoes. Drizzle with dressing.

Serves 6

Nutritional Information per Serving: 299.2 Calories; 22.6g Fat; 3.9g Saturated Fat; 43mg Cholesterol; 0.7g Carbohydrate; 13.3g Protein; 246mg Sodium; 1.5mg Iron

Parisian Pizzazz Marinade

1/3 cup dry white wine

1/2 cup Dijon-style mustard

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil

Combine ingredients and use as directed.

Citrus Vodka Dressing

If desired, fresh citrus juice can be substituted for the vodka.

1 tablespoon minced shallot

6 tablespoons citrus flavored vodka

1/2 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine dressing ingredients in small bowl or pitcher. Refrigerate or use immediately.

For more recipe ideas, visit www.certifiedangusbeef.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content