I mentioned earlier that I have the winter doldrums. I await spring and the fresh foods it brings and the grilling. Lots and lots of grilling. So, tonight’s menu reflects a bit of that desire, even though for many of us, we’ll have to be satisfied cooking it in a cast iron skillet (did you hear? I got a new one!) or broiling in the oven.

On the board tonight:

1. Steak with Coffee Rub
2. Green Beans w/Bacon & Onion
3. Baked Potatoes
4. Blueberry Coffee Cake

Steak with Coffee Rub

• 3 tbsp chili powder (pure ancho or a blend)
• 3 tbsp finely ground coffee (espresso works best)
• 1 ½ tbsp paprika (use a good one)
• 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp fresh ground pepper
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 to 1-1/2 lb of steak (rib-eye, sirloin, NY strip, etc) in 4 thick pieces

Mix together all spices. Lightly rub each steak with oil and then coat liberally on both sides with coffee rub. Now you can cook in a pre-heated skillet on medium-high heat, 5 to 7 minutes each side for medium rare. You can broil in the oven, using the second slot down from broiler, for 5 minutes each side, again for rare to medium rare, longer for medium. Or if you’re lucky (sigh) you can grill them outside. Cooking times will vary no matter which style you choose, so watch carefully and you’ll probably have to use a meat thermometer to really judge, because the rub makes it a little harder to eyeball it. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Green Beans w/Bacon & Onions

• 1 lb fresh or frozen green beans (if fresh, snap off ends and snap into smaller pieces)
• 2 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
• 4 green onions, chopped
• salt & pepper to taste

Sm. Saucepan, steamer and Skillet

Steam beans until slightly crisp, but tender. While beans are steaming, begin browning bacon until crisp. You can drain most of the bacon drippings, leaving 1 tbsp to lightly coat beans. Add onions. Drain beans and dab with a paper towel. Add to bacon mixture, mixing well, until beans are coated in bacon drippings. Cook on medium-low for 1 to 2 minutes, until onions are heated through.

Blueberry Coffee Cake

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp cultured buttermilk powder (or 1 cup butter milk  & omit water)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 8 oz frozen blueberries

Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup flour

8×8 baking dish, greased

2 bowls

In bowl, add flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, buttermilk and mix well. Make a well in the center add egg, water & oil. Stir quickly until all everything is mixed well, but don’t over mix. Fold in blueberries. Spread batter evenly in baking dish. In bowl, mix topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the top of batter. Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.

Shopping List:

• 3 tbsp chili powder (pure ancho or a blend)
• 3 tbsp finely ground coffee (espresso works best)
• 1 ½ tbsp paprika (a good one)
• 2 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 to 1-1/2 lb of steak
• 1 lb fresh or frozen green beans
• 2 strips bacon
• 4 green onions
• 4 tbsp cultured buttermilk powder or 1 cup buttermilk
• egg
• 8 oz blueberries

Also: brown sugar, butter, flour, vegetable oil, vanilla, salt, baking powder, sugar, fresh ground pepper