The ultimate steak dinner

Our family loves a classic steak dinner.
A juicy cut of meat, a crisp wedge salad, a comforting baked potato...
My kids wouldn't think about any other beverage to have with it than milk.
They say it's the perfect pairing, so I've partnered with Got Milk?,
to try it for myself.
After a decadent meal, guzzled down with milk -
it is unanimous, steak dinners really do love milk!

After numerous bites and deep analysis,

 there are a combination of reasons why it all goes together so well.

The savoriness of the steak, the tanginess of the salad 

and the starchy, salty, creaminess of the loaded potato 

are all a perfect complimented to milk. 

It ties it all together like the perfect, delicious storm.

You could go out to a steak house but it is so easy to do at home. 

(and you have unlimited refills of milk!)

How I cook steaks:

Let steak sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Coat bottom of cast iron skillet with olive oil and place in oven for at least 10 minutes.

Rub both sides of steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Remove skillet from oven and put on burner set to medium high 

(you may need to add a little more olive oil)

Place steaks in pipping hot skillet and cook about 5 minutes on each side. Depending on how you like your steak cooked and the thickness, cooking times will vary. 

You can check with a meat thermometer : 

Medium Rare should be 130 degrees, Medium 140 and Well Done 160

Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before serving.  

As they rest, I like to top with herbs like fresh thyme and rosemary,  

and then my top secret ingredient...

I squeeze just a touch of lemon over the top, 

the combo of the herbs and lemon add so much brightness and doesn't taste "lemony" at all.

Wedges of crisp, cold iceberg lettuce, topped with blue cheese dressing, 

diced tomatoes and crumbled blue cheese are next on the menu.  

The tanginess pairs perfectly with the savory steak and creamy milk. 

There are many great bottled dressings in the refrigerated produce section of most grocery stores,

 but homemade is always better and a cinch to make...

My Favorite Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

Whisk together:

 2 Tablespoons finely chopped shallot

3/4 cup sour cream

1/2 cup butter milk

1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar

Then stir in:

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

And a rounding out our meal, a loaded baked potato. 

A spud indulgence, topped with butter, salt, 

sour cream, fresh bacon crumbles and chives...

Next time you have a hankering for hanger, covet chuck or fancy a flank,

make sure you've Got Milk...

it doesn't discriminate, 

it is amazing with any type of steak.

Brought to you by Got Milk?  Food loves milk.

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Got Teenagers? I hope you've Got Milk

This post is brought to you by got milk? Drink to a brighter future.

I've got 2 very active teenagers.

Between school, sports and friends,

 they are busy and constantly hungry or thirsty when they're home.

I try to stock the kitchen with simple, healthy items that are easy to grab on the go.

Things that are full of nutrients and protein, to fuel them up and keep them going.

They guzzle milk by the gallon, always have and I hope they always will.

Along with the nutritional benefits of being full of calcium, potassium, and vitamin D , 

it helps keep their bones and teeth strong, aids in better sleep and prevents the risk of cavities. 

Evidently my children are far too "busy" to get a glass for their milk.

I try not to nag too much, 

I want them to drink milk, a lot of milk... 

but really, right out of the container?!

Now that I've Got Milk,
why not make it so they each get their own?

If they are going to drink right from the jug,
at least they won't be spreading germs.

Fun cow stickers make it clear -
smart MOO-ve, don't you think?

I printed up a "heard" so I'm always ready.

With the holidays upon us and a special guest scheduled to arrive, 

I didn't want any confusion about the "owner" of his milk..

Santa, this one is for you!

If "chronic carton chugging" is an issue in your house,

 I've got printable labels ready for you too!

Click on links below.

Milk Cow Labels

Printable Santa Stickers

These print perfectly on sheets of twelve 2.5" circle stickers

(available at most office supply stores or Paper Source)

or they can be printed on card stock and cut out with a circle punch, 

then attach to milk as a tag.

For more information and ideas join 

Got Milk? on Facebook

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Got Milk - and cookies? Getting Nostalgic

This post is brought to you by got milk? Drink to a brighter future.

My kids have always loved milk.

Milk with dinner, milk with a snack, milk after sports.

I used to tell them to drink your milk, 

it will make you strong, 

it will help your bones and teeth, 

it is full of vitamins and protein, 

it will help you sleep...

all of those are true but they were hooked on one thing, the taste.

I mean really, is there anything better with cookies?

  

Now they're older, and facing all the pressures of growing up.  

School, homework, competitive sports, friends and social media - 

it's a lot and it can take a toll.

There are days when they come home grouchy and stressed.

I surprised them the other day with a touch of nostalgia.

Chocolate chip cookies and ice cold milk with a straw.

A reminder that some of the things that they have done since they were little 

are not only beneficial today but can make them feel better.

As it turns out I was right  - 

they are strong, have great bones, teeth and hair 

and when they can, sleep like there is no tomorrow.

Selfishly, I wanted a minute to rewind the clock.

They are growing up too fast for me but I know they are on the way 

to being great adults with fabulous futures.

While we ate, we talked about Robert Fulghum's quote.

Can you imagine everyone taking a milk and cookies break daily?

We agreed, the world would be a better, happier, healthier place. 

So surprise someone with classic cookies and milk -
 taking a nap after is optional!

Printable Placemats here

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