Steak and Arugula Salad

I took this recipe from iVillage, it is my kind of salad. Nice and beefy :)

1/2 cup buttermilk, for the dressing 1/3 cup mayonnaise, for the dressing 1 clove garlic, minced, for the dressing 1 tablespoon lemon juice, for the dressing 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese 1 hanger steak (about 1 3/4 pounds) 2 tablespoons canola oil 7 ounces baby arugula 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon juice Salt and pepper 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved Read More http://www.ivillage.com/steak-and-arugula-salad-blue-cheese-dressing/3-r-211525#ixzz10gIKkGE9 Sign up for iVillage Special Offers

To make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Stir in the blue cheese. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Salt and pepper both sides of the steak. In a heavy, oven-safe frying pan over medium-high, heat the canola oil. Brown the steak for 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook 20 minutes for medium-rare, depending on the steak’s thickness. Transfer the steak to a cutting board, let it rest for 10 minutes and then thinly slice the steak. In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the olive oil, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Divide the arugula among 4 plates. Place 3 or 4 slices of steak on each plate and sprinkle the tomato halves over the top. Drizzle with blue cheese dressing and serve.

Ratatouille

My dear friend Jenifer made me this dish, out of the kindness of her heart, and I absolutely loved it. The cheese and the salt are very important...so don't skimp.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• salt to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat bottom and sides of a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic until lightly browned. Mix in parsley and eggplant. Saute until eggplant is soft, about 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
3. Spread eggplant mixture evenly across bottom of prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Spread zucchini in an even layer over top. Lightly salt and sprinkle with a little more cheese. Continue layering in this fashion, with onion, mushrooms, bell pepper, and tomatoes, covering each layer with a sprinkling of salt and cheese.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Honey Chicken Kabob's

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch cubes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 5 small onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 2 red bell peppers, cut into 2 inch pieces
• skewers

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, soy sauce, and pepper. Before adding chicken, reserve a small amount of marinade to brush onto kabobs while cooking. Place the chicken, garlic, onions and peppers in the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours (the longer the better).
2. Preheat the grill for high heat.
3. Drain marinade from the chicken and vegetables, and discard marinade. Thread chicken and vegetables alternately onto the skewers.
4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken juices run clear. Turn and brush with reserved marinade frequently.