Be My...Dinner Companion

Scott and I aren't really big into Valentines Day, but we always have a nice dinner. This year we did the ole meat and potatos bit.

I love Parisienne Potatos, so I went out and bought myself a melon baller. They're sort of a waste of potato, but in hindsight I could have done something with the remains. I tossed the balls with olive oil, minced garlic and paprika and then roasted them for about 40 minutes.


I had bought some zuchinni the day before but hadn't thought of what to do with it. Lucky for me, Mary came to my rescue, just like she did at Christmas with a great recipe for zuchinni with garlic and parmesan.


I made Steak Diane for the first time and it was a success! I think the sauce was a teensey bit too salty, but Scott said it wasn't. Isn't he sweet.


Steak Diane

for 2

2 tenderloin steaks, 4-6 ounces each
freshly ground pepper
3 tb olive oil
2 oz brandy
1/2 cup beef broth
2 oz butter
2 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 cup cream
salt and pepper to taste

Let the steaks sit out at room temperature for an hour or so to warm up. Press the pepper into both sides of the steak (use as little or as much pepper as you like). Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the steaks and cook, turning once, until they are done to your liking. Alternatively, you can brown the steaks on top of the stove, then finish cooking them in the oven. When the steaks are done, remove them to a plate. Cover with foil and keep warm while you make the sauce. Carefully pour the brandy into the pan and cook, stirring up all the brown bits on the bottom until the brandy is reduced by half. Add the beef broth and simmer for 4 or 5 minutes. Drop in the butter and stir until melted. Add the mustard and cream and simmer gently until the sauce is thick. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Place the steaks on your plates and top with the sauce, any maybe a bit extra for your potatos. Serve straight away.


In other news I'm happy to announce that I've won a Poppy Award for Best Recipe Blog! Thanks to Poppy at Poppy Cedes for the honor.



Edited to add - thanks for all your emails! I'm happy to say I've got the award up in the side bar now.

It's a long weekend this weekend in Alberta! This afternoon we're going to see a hockey game - the Hitmen vs the Kamloops Blazers. I'm thinking of making something new for dinner tonight and maybe even some kind of drink, since we don't have to get up early tomorrow. Not too many drinks though, we have a crazy week ahead.

Have a great day!