Pepper Crusted Steak and Glazed Mushrooms

Aside from chocolate and sweets, I am a total carnivore.  I love most of all a really good steak. For my husband's birthday a while ago he really wanted to have a really good pepper steak.  He also really loves mushrooms, so this dinner was a match made in heaven.  Both recipes come from Epicurious.  The only change I made to the recipe was to substitute cremini mushrooms for portobellos.

Today's post is a bit short because I'm getting ready today to go on local TV on Tuesday morning to talk about food blogging, especially here in Utah.  I will be joined on the show, Good Things Utah, by a couple of other fellow Utahns and food bloggers - Lindsey of Cafe Johnsonia and Becky of Project Domestication and Utah Loves Cupcakes.  I can't wait to meet these two darling ladies in person!

So, to get ready for Tuesday, I got a new haircut and just got a new shirt and pants to wear - even though it is a casual show, somehow I thought my usual t-shirts with holes and yoga pants might not fly.  I have to say, as a WAHM wardrobe has really fallen by the wayside for the last while.  Though, as you all know, I don't mind making fun of myself, I'd at least like to hope I look good while doing it!

On the show I will be demonstrating a delicious recipe for an easy meal and to go along with it, I have a recipe I'll share with you tomorrow that would be the perfect light dessert  follow up. It is also very easy to make.  Make sure to check back in for that tomorrow.

I'll definitely keep you all posted on the TV gig and let you know how it goes!

RECIPE:  Pepper Crusted Steak and Glazed Mushrooms 

CEiMB: Steak Tacos with Cucumber-Avocado Salsa

I am happy to say that I enjoyed this week's recipe pick for CEiMB a whole lot more than last week's (which we didn't like at all - just personal taste though). Anyway, I love steak tacos and these were no exception. I was pleasanty surprised to discover that I don't mind crunchy, cold cabbage and cucumbers on my tacos though since I never have before. It didn't put me off as much as usual. I still prefer without, but I liked it.

I loved the avocado on the tacos, but that definitely isn't a shocker since I love avocado any time, but I would probably increase the amount of avocado and decrease the amount of cucumber for me next time I make these.

These were a simple and super yummy way to make steak tacos. The only modification I made to the recipe at all was to add a little bit of smoky ground cumin to the rub and a little bit of mild taco sauce to some of the tacos as we were eating them.

The best part of this meal (aside from being so fast to make and put together) was that Aidan (the 5-year old picky monster whom I love dearly) actually agreed to try these and really liked it - cucumber avocado salsa and all. Hello miraculous!! We have tried to get that kid to try vegetables for EVER. He finally is starting to try some and hallelujah for that!

I'm looking forward to next week's recipe for the Banana Cream Pie, which I had already flagged in the book. If you want to find out more about the book we are cooking from, it is The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life by Ellie Krieger and is definitely going to be worth it. I am just really glad that I am getting into a habit of cooking more again and cooking a bit healthier - especially as Winter looms here in Utah (and so do my comfort food loving Winter pounds!!).

Thanks again to Leigh, my favorite Lemon Tartlet, for turning me on to this book and inviting me to join the group!

Steak Tacos with Cucumber-Avocado Salsa
1 Tablespoon chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 1/4 lbs top sirloin steaks (about 1 1/4 inches thich)
Twelve 6-inch corn tortillas
3 cups shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges
Cucumber-Avocado Salsa (recipe follows)

Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and preheat it over medium-high heat.

Combine the spices in a small bowl and then rub the mixture into both sides of the steaks.

Broil the steaks for about 5 minutes per side, turning once, for medium rare or to your desired taste. (Prepare the salsa below while the steak is broiling). Remove and allow to sit and rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin slices.

Warm the tortillas by placing them on a hot skillet or grill for about 30 seconds, turning once, or you can place 6 tortillas at a time between two moist paper towels and microwaave for about 45 seconds. Wrap them in a cloth napkin to keep warm.

Top tortillas with cabbage, steak, salsa (recipe below) and a squeeze of lime juice and sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and serve.

Cucumber-Avocado Salsa
1 medium English cucumber, seeded and diced (about 2 cups)
2 medium firm-ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
1/2 red onion, diced
Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
Salt to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped, or to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and toss gently to combine. Serve within an hour of preparing.