Valentine Suggestions-Fettuccine Alfredo, Grilled Steak with Herb Butter, Spicy Indian Steak

Although I feel that Valentine Day is over rated if you want to make something a little special and easy these recipes could work. However, even macaroni and cheese or Hamburgers would be great if the person really likes them. My suggestion is to keep the food simple and enjoy the evening. A nice bubble bath together or massage would be much better than a tired and frazzled person trying to make a super special meal.


Fettuccine Alfredo

This is another classical and very lovely dish. Serve with a salad, wine or sprarkling cider and French bread!

Ingredients:
1 cup of heavy cream
2 oz. butter
1 pound of fresh fettuccine
1 cup heavy cream or half and half
6 oz. Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
Combine the cream and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and reduce by a fourth. Remove from heat and set aside. Bring salted water to a rolling boil and add the fettuccine. Cook until just al dente, or firm to the bite. Drain.
In a skillet, combine the cream and butter mixture with the cooked noodles. Toss well until the noodles are coated. Add the remaining cream and cheese and toss well to mix. Divide onto two plates and season with salt and fresh pepper.



Grilled Steak with Herb Butter



INGREDIENTS:

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 Tbsp. butter, softened (NOT margarine)
Salt and pepper to taste
6 rib eye steaks


PREPARATION:
In food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except steaks. Process till blended. Cover the blended butter and chill this mixture and then form it into a roll 1" in diameter. Wrap in waxed paper and chill until firm.

Prepare grill. Grill steaks 4-6" above medium coals, turning once with tongs, until steak is cooked to desired doneness and salmon flakes when tested with fork. OR place on broiler pan and broil 4-6" from heat source for 10-15 minutes, turning once with tongs, until steak is cooked to desired doneness. Let the meat sit for about 5 minutes before serving, then slice the chilled butter and place on top of the hot steak, letting it melt into the meat.. Serves 6




Spicy Indian Steak

This is a differnt way to make steak. This is very spicy but you can cut down on the spices to get the taste you enjoy.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp. grated ginger root
1 small onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. coriander seeds
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. mustard seeds
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 lbs. strip steak, cut into 6 serving size pieces

PREPARATION:

Place ginger root, onion, and garlic in blender or food processor and process until very finely minced.
Grind coriander and cumin seeds, cayenne pepper, salt, and mustard seeds in a spice grinder or coffee grinder until powdered.
Stir into onion mixture.

Heat 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil in large skillet and add onion mixture. Saute gently over medium low heat until very fragrant. Remove from heat and place on steaks, turning to coat. Refrigerate steaks, tightly covered, for 2-24 hours.
When ready to cook, prepare and preheat grill. Remove steaks from marinade and cook over medium high coals for 10-15 minutes until desired doneness. Slice thinly across the grain to serve.

Serves 6