Happy New Year!

We decided to stay at home this year for New Year's Eve instead of going out and fighting all of the crowds. Previously for New Years Eve, we went out for a nice steak dinner. I decided to make a nice steak dinner at home to save on time and money.


Grilled Flank Steak with Bacon Balsamic Glaze

Source: Food Network


Cooking Spray

2 tbsp tripple peppercorns ( I used McCormick's Steak Seasoning)

1 flank stak, about 1 1/4 pounds ( I used 3 small steaks)

salt

2 tsp garlic flakes (I omitted)

4 slices of bacon, diced ( I always use center cut bacon)

1/2 c. balsamic vinegar

1/2 c. beef broth

2 tsp cornstarch

2 tbsp. chopped parsley ( I omitted)

Directions:

Heat a stove top grill pan or griddle ( I used the outside grill) and spray with cooking spray over medium- high heat. Place peppercorns in a plastic bag and smash with the flat side of a meat mallet, or the bottom of a heavy skillet, until finely crushed. Season both sides of the steak with the peppercorns, salt and garlic flakes.

Place steak on a hot pan and cook 5 minutes each side for medium doneness. Remove from heat and let steak rest for 10 minutes. Slice meat crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices.

While the steak is cooking, place the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat untl brown and crisp. Add vinegar and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes, or until liquid reduces.

In a small bow, add broth and cornstarch, whisking untl cornstarch dissolves, add to the skillet with the bacon and vinegar. Simmer 2 minutes bringing to a full boil, until sauce thickens. Remove from heat, spoon sauce over steak and top with parsley.

Note: I grilled my steaks on an outside gas grill because I prefer the taste to a grill pan on the stove.

Candied Carrots
Source: Food Network

Ingredients:
1 bunch of carrots, with tops ( I used baby carrots already peeled)
1/4 c. EVOO
salt and pepper
4 tbsp unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
1 orange, zested and halved
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cut off all but 1 inch of the carrot tops, leaving a little green. Put the carrots in a large shallow pan, add the oil and season with s&p. Turn to coat the carrots. Put them in the ove and bake for 30 minutes, until fork tender.

In the meantime, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Swirl the pan around and cook until the butter begins to become brown and nutty. Squeeze in the jice from the orange, add the zest, brown sugar, cumin and cinnamon and continue to cook for 2 minutes or until syrupy.

Remove the carrots from the oven, drizzle with the syrup and serve.