Summertime + Grilling!!

Happy summer!

I've noticed now that the weather is warmer, I tend to become a little more of a foodie. I love grilling and going out to eat. Here in Lexington, we don't have many options for “real” good food on a budget. So we tend to stay in for most meals. I've been playing around with some ingredients for a good steak marinade. I believe I have struck the proverbial GOLD! I'm terrible about following recipes, I am notoriously known for throwing things in a pot with a pinch and dash of this and that.

So what's my golden recipe you ask? Let me start by saying, balsamic vinegar is key. You also want to start with a good cut of steak, Angus of course (it retains the marinade the best). Rib-eye or my new favorite top loin (in non-fancy meat terms New York Strip) I had to look that one up haha. I'm usually cooking for just the hubby and I, little one is a recent vegetarian. So here's what you'll need:

4 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp thinly sliced garlic

1 tbsp minced garlic

olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

So very simple, and very few ingredients. Like I said, with cooking you don't always need exact measurements. Have fun with it and experiment!

What I do is, I put the steaks in a glass container. I like to use a corningware casserole dish. Place the steaks side by side. I use a fork to “prick” the meat so it will absorb the marinade. I then make little slices in the steaks, big enough so I can put the slivers of garlic in the slits. Next sprinkle on the salt and pepper to both sides. Then drizzle on the balsamic and olive oil, now I leave this up to you. I really LOVE olive oil and balsamic so I use quite a bit! So use at your own taste. Make sure both sides a evenly disbursed. Lastly cover in the minced garlic, again on both sides. What I like to do is prepare this about 40 minutes prior to grilling, I usually cover in plastic wrap and sit at room temperature. I have also left in the fridge overnight.

I do have the luxury of having a husband that worked in a restaurant kitchen, so I let him do the grilling. Serve with fresh summer veggies from a local farmers market. Make sure to grill to your liking, and enjoy!