Balsamic Steak

Adapted from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food Magazine (issue  #43 - June 2007)  This recipe is so simple and is already gluten free!  The original recipe calls for skirt steak, however I had a little bit of a hard time finding that so I used flank steak the first time and the next time I made it I filleted a piece of tri-tip (a cut that is native to California)  in thirds and used that.  I also had the meat sit in the marinade over night.  Again, another really simple recipe yet very tasty!!  Its great for those busy nights, you are going to love it, I promise.

Balsamic Marinated Skirt Steak (see note above)

1/2 Cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary

coarse salt and ground pepper

1 1/2 pounds skirt steak

oil for grates

- In a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, combine vinegar, sugar, garlic, rosemary, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.  Pierce meat all over with a  fork; add to marinade and turn to coat.  Let marinate at room temperature at least 15 minutes (or over night in the refrigerator and then let sit out for 20 minutes or so before grilling).

- Heat grill to high; oil grates.  Remove steak from marinade, allow excess to drip off.  Grill steaks 2-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.  Transfer to a plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest 5 minutes.  Slice against the grain and serve.

- A nice side for this is mashed or bakes sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potato Fries

You know those nights where all you want is a cheese burger and fries?? Well tonight was one of them...minus the cheese burger. At last weeks farmer's market I picked up two sweet potatoes and figured, why not make fries out of them tonight.

Sweet Potato Fries

2 medium - large sweet potatoes

1 teaspoon of sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 garlic clove minced

1/2 paprika

enough olive oil to coat the fries

Peel and cut sweet potatoes in 1/4 inch pieces (try to get them as even in size as possible so they cook evenly) In a small bowl combine the garlic, salt, pepper and paprika. In a large bowl coat them with oil, season with the seasoning mixture. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated "fries" on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes in a 450 degree oven, turning once.

Let cool and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or ketchup.

I've had sweet potato fries before with different kinds of dipping sauces, all different and all very tasty. I've had a few may based sauces, and normally I wouldn't even think to dip a fry in mayo. I actually don't eat much mayo anymore but happened to have some in the fridge so I thought I would try and make one myself:

Sweet Potato Fry Dipping Sauce

1/2 cup fat free mayo

1 tbl spoon fresh lemon juice

1 clove of garlic minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 black pepper

Combine all ingredients and mix well.