STEAK with KRÄUTERBUTTER or RED WINE PAN SAUCE

Using the reverse sear method from Serious Eats.

Steak:

Methodology:

Season the steak really well, at least an hour before cooking.

Preheat oven to 200°F - 275°F.

Pat steak scrupulously dry.  Roast on a rack over a baking sheet until the internal temperature hits 105°F, about 30 minutes.

Heat a heavy pan over high heat, add a few drops of vegetable oil, heat until almost smoking.

Add steaks to pan, along with 1 T butter.  Brown on 1st side, about 45 seconds.

Flip, brown on second side.

Hold steaks upright to brown on edges.

Remove to plate to rest, tented with foil.



Kräuterbutter:

Ingredients:

1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
1 T chopped parsley
1 T chopped thyme
1 t chopped chives
1 t lemon zest
3 cloves of garlic confit, mashed to a paste


Methodology:

Combine all ingredients, roll into a log using a piece of plastic wrap, and chill for at least half an hour before using.




Red Wine Pan Sauce:

Ingredients:

1/4 c shallot, minced
1 c red wine
1/2 c beef broth
3 T cold butter
salt and pepper

 Methodology:

Sauté shallot in oil remaining in pan (should be 1 t).

Add wine, simmer until reduced by half, about 1 minute.

Add broth, simmer 2 minutes. 

Remove from heat, whisk in butter until fully emulsified, season to taste.  Serve.

SWÄBISCHES FRÜCHTEBROT

This is a traditional southwest German holiday fruitcake.  It is very dense, and is best served cut into thin slices and generously spread with butter.  As a kid, this was our snack when we went skiing!

One very popular regional variation is made with pieces of dried pears, or "Hutzeln", and is known as "Hutzelbrot".  In Bavaria, a similar bread called "Schnitzbrot" is traditional.

Makes one loaf


Ingredients:

125g whole hazelnuts
125g whole almonds, blanched
125g dried figs, sliced
125g candied lemon or orange peel, diced
250g dark raisins
Candied ginger, diced, optional

125g cane sugar
125g all purpose flour
3 eggs
1 1/2 t baking powder (7g, or 1/2 packet German baking powder, as one packet holds 14g baking powder)

1/4-1/2 t ground cinnamon

Methodology:

Mix all ingredients well and pour into a well-greased and floured loaf pan.  Bake at 392°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.