It was our week for dinner with friends so we went all out for a great Valentines Day dinner!! You do not need to go out to have a fancy meal, topped off with an awesome dessert – Chocolate Pots de Creme with strawberries and rice crispy treats! We should eat like this every week.
To go along with dessert we had filet mignon, mashed potatoes and salad. It was pretty warm tonight but the wind is howling so I did the steaks inside. Sear in a super hot pan and finish in the oven – perfection!
First you need to take the steaks out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Season with salt and pepper and heat the oven to 400 degrees. After seasoning, spray the steaks with cooking spray. This will keep them from sticking to your super hot pan. Heat your oven proof pan over high heat then sear the steaks for 2 1/2 minutes per side. Toss in the oven to finish for 5 minutes. This will give you a perfect medium rare. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
I like to add a pat of butter on top of the steak while it is resting to give it a little more flavor and moisture. Butter (like bacon) makes everything better.
I also like to serve mushrooms sauteed in butter with my steak. Simple to cook up and oh so good. Just heat a couple tablespoons of butter in a saute pan over medium-high heat, add mushrooms, season with salt and cook for about 8 minutes.
When serving a good Chocolate Pots de Creme do not but cool whip – make your own whipped cream! Quick and easy. Simply add 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and a cup of heavy whipping cream to a chilled metal bowl. Beat on high speed for 5-6 minutes and you have some tasty whipped cream!!
Top the Pots de Creme with the whipped cream before serving and your guests will be wanting more. We got this recipe while watching Food Networks – The Kitchen – and it will not disappoint.
Set a pretty table and you are ready to enjoy. Don’t forget the wine! Cheers!
Recipes to come………….