Best Girlfriend Ever

That's me :-)

I made a winner of a meal last night and the title of best girlfriend ever (BGE) was graciously bestowed upon me.

I thought I'd share with you the secrets of my masterpiece so you to could become a BGE or BBE or BWE or BFE... whatever.

The menu:
Rachel Ray's Cognac Steaks from 2,4,6,8 (the "Aren't We Fancy" supper for 2)
Caramelized Onion and Bacon salad
fresh French Bread from New Seasons bakery

Steaks:
Two 1" thick New York Steaks (raised in Oregon, from Oregon Country Natural co-op)

Season one side liberally with pepper, pat into the meat. Place in a Medium High pan with 2tbsp Olive Oil and sear 3 minutes on each side (for rare). Remove from heat and cover with tin foil to keep warm.

Add a cup of coarsely chopped onions and 2 cloves of garlic to the pan (more olive oil if necessary) season with salt and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft but not browned. Remove from the burner, add 2 shots of cognac and return to heat, allow the cognac to flame up. Once the flames die down add about 3/4 cup of beef broth and 1/4 cup half and half. Cook until reduced by half. Serve over steaks.

Salad:
6 cups washed chopped spinach
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (if you don't live with someone who thinks tomatoes are evil)
3 strips bacon
1/3 cup sliced onion (either rings or strips)

Cook the bacon to very crispy. Drain the bacon grease and add 2 tbsp of Olive Oil to the pan.

Add onions to oil, stirring frequently, cook for 10 minutes. Remove onions and place on a paper towel to drain. Remove pan from the heat, to prepare dressing add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tbsp dijon mustard, whisk until mixed. Very slowly whisk in another 4 tbsp olive oil, set aside.

Combine vegetables, and crumble bacon over the salad. Mix in dressing. Top with onions before serving.

So go, make, and become the BEST GIRLFRIEND EVER. Be sure to serve with your SO's favorite beverage (mine is a gin martini).