Cook It Blog it-another entry

Last monday, for memorial day, I braved the torrential downpours and grilled out.

I made Brushetta, with Basil from my garden, and grilled a really nice steak.

The bruschetta recipe :

3-4 roma or plum tomatoes

1 clove garlic, minced(about 1tsp from a jar)

1/2 TBSP extra Virgin Olive Oil

3-4 Basil leaves

1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper

french baguette or italian loaf.(use whole wheat baguette for healthier alternative)

In a pot of boiling water let the tomatoes boil for 1 minute. Drain off water and rinse with cold water. Peel skins off of tomatoes.

Cut tomatoes in half and dig out the seeds and discard. Chop tomatoes fine.

Wash basil leaves, roll up and slice thin(chiffonade). Make sure basil is chopped fairly fine.

In bowl combine tomatoes, chopped garlic, basil, 1/2 TBSP Olive Oil, 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.

Take bread and slice. Brush olive oil onto the tops of the bread. Place oil side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 450 until golden brown. Top with tomato mixture and eat! YUMMMMMM!!

STEAK:

Preheat your grill, you want about a medium-high flame. Bring your chosen steak up to room temperature. If you start with a cold steak it will be tough.

with a knife make slits in the surface of the steak, just a few per side. Brush on Extra Virgin Olive Oil and massage in gently. This will help tenderize the steak.

sprinkle with Lawrys Seasoned Salt mixed with equal portions of McCormick Montreal Steak seasoning.(I use about 1/2 TBSP per side, I like a little zing.)

Spray a little pam on your grill and place steak. SHUT THE LID AND DONT MOVE IT FOR AT LEAST 6 MINUTES!!! Turn and cook 6 minutes on other side.

Depending on how pink you like your meat you can either take it off, or cook it longer.(It also depends on how thick the steak is. The thinner the steak, the less amount of time you want to put it on. I like my steaks medium, still pink in the center)

Less pink, leave it 8 minutes per side. You dont want to be flipping it over and over, that will dry it out.

Put it on a plate and LEAVE IT ALONE!!!! Dont cut into it for at least 6-7 minutes. If you cut into it right away it will dry out. By letting it settle it will stay moist and juicy.

ENJOY!!!