Balsamic and Wine Glazed Steak plus the Best Green Beans Ever!

Balsamic and Wine Glazed Steak

On my continual quest to incorporate mushrooms into my cooking, I stumbled upon this recipe.  I mean steak, balsamic vinegar, and wine – how can this be wrong?

Ingredients:

• 2 Teaspoons Cooking Oil
• 1 Pound boneless Beef Top Loin or Top Sirloin Steak, cut into ½ - ¾ inch thick strips
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/8 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• ¾ Cup dry Red Wine
• 2 Cups sliced, fresh Mushrooms
• 3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 4 Teaspoons Honey
• 2 Tablespoons Butter

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Preparation:

            In a large skillet, heat Oil over medium-high heat.  Add the Steak strips and reduce the heat until medium.  Cook for 10-13 minutes, or until the Steak reaches desired done-ness, turning meat occasionally.  Once cooked, transfer the Steak to a platter and keep warm.

            Next add the Garlic and Red Pepper to the skillet and cook for 10 seconds and remove skillet from heat.

            Carefully add the Red Wine, return skillet to the heat and boil for 5 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.  Now add the Mushrooms, Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Honey and return mixture to a simmer.  Cook for 4 minutes or until the Mushrooms are tender.  Lastly stir the Butter into the skillet until melted.  Spoon the Sauce over the Steak.  Oh-so-yummy – this dish is hearty with a slight tanginess that is simple, elegant and delicious to boot!

Best Green Beans Ever

So this recipe is courtesy of Aquaman’s mother and I could not be more thankful!  I request it at every holiday and could eat it everyday without fail.  Try it and see if you don’t agree…

Ingredients:

1 Pound Green Beans, ends snapped off, washed and drained

1 Onion, chopped

3 ½ Tablespoons Bacon Pieces

1-2 Tablespoons Liquid Smoke – mesquite variety

Preparation:

            First, bring a large pot of salted water to boil.  Add the Green Beans and boil until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

            Drain the Beans and return to the same pot.  Toss in the Onion, Bacon and Liquid Smoke.  Stir to combine and this side is ready to serve. 

I love the smoky flavor and crunchiness of the Onion.  This dish is almost too good to be true.

Saucy Pepper Steak Stir Fry

This recipe caught my attention because it combines a lot of ingredients I love and its super simple.  Plus I just love beef.  If you’re more of a chicken person, that’s great, but I absolutely adore cow and this quick recipe was my fix for a scattered weekday evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 Green Bell Pepper, cut into strips
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into strips
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, cut into strips
• 1 small White Onion, cut into strips
• 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
• ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• ½ Cup BBQ Sauce
• 2 Cups cooked Brown Rice
• 1 Pound Beef Sirloin Steak, trimmed and cut into strips

Source: www.KraftFoods.com

Preparation:

            Spray a large, nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.  Add the Bell Pepper and Onion strips.  Cook, stirring occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes until the veggies are tender crisp.  Transfer them to a bowl and keep warm.

            Add the Sirloin, Garlic and Pepper to the same skillet; cook and stir about 3 minutes.  Next add the Soy Sauce and cook 1 minute until the meat is cooked through.  Add the BBQ sauce and cook until heated through.  Add back in the veggies and toss to coat.

Use the rice to make the perfect bed and spoon the meat, veggie mixture over top.  And you're done.  Quick, simple and absolutely delicious!