Steak with Blue Cheese Sauce and Fried Onions

   The school year is almost over, and it's absolutely insane how fast college has gone by. I am excited for what's to come but am starting to feel pretty sad about leaving and really growing up! We've all been just trying to make the most of the time we have left - which needless to say is making the actual "school" part of college seem less of a priority. Like a gorgeous day of spring skiing or doing homework..... you tell me? (Don't worry Mom, my grades are fine and I will graduate.)

   With all the procrastinating and nights of going out instead of studying for exams, somehow we've managed to do well and make it through, and even get lined up with jobs we're really happy about for post graduation. And this is where the amazing steak recipe comes in....

     My boyfriend got offered an engineering job at the company he interned for, and we knew the best way to celebrate was with some quality steaks, (when is it not?) and this recipe was perfect. The blue cheese sauce is so flavorful, with the distinct tangy flavor balanced out with some good white wine and garlic, and it's just as good on the potatoes as it is on the steak. (Consider it for homemade buffalo wings or a salad). It was really easy to make as well, just melting the cheese with garlic and wine and keeping it warm until serving.

    I chose to use a wedge of Gorgonzola cheese for this recipe and I recommend the same. "Blue Cheese" is really an unprotected term, so basically any cheese with blue mold in it can be packaged with that name. Gorgonzola (or Stilton) on the other hand is a protected term so it is a safer bet in terms of flavor and quality for the recipe. The 8 oz wedge I bought was around $6 and was totally worth it.

 
     Unfortunately we were out of propane so we were unable to grill, but broiling the steaks worked fine. You could prepare the meat however you prefer. We had some steak tips I marinated (soy sauce, worcesterchire, lemon, olive oil, garlic) and also a porterhouse steak. Just season them well and they'll surely go great with the blue cheese sauce, regardless of the cut.  

     I also made some fried onion strings with gluten free flour and bread crumbs to top the steak with for added flavor and crunch. This definitely enhances the dish, (Also amaaazing dipped in the cheese sauce) but don't feel it completely necessary if you're not looking for extra work. For special occasion purposes though, I say go for it! Just slice up an onion, dredge it in flour, then dip in a mixture of 1/4 cup milk and an egg, then in a mixture of 1/2 flour, 1/2 breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Fry in about 1" of oil on the stove over medium heat until lightly browned.

     We came to a quick agreement that this dish was one of the best things I've made, so I'd say it was meal worthy of celebrating!




Blue Cheese Sauce (for steak)
Ingredients:
1 tsp olive oil
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz wedge of decent quality blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Stilton)
2 tbsp dry white wine
2 tbsp steak drippings (Optional)
Fresh cracked pepper

Directions:
In pan over medium heat, add olive oil. Saute garlic for a minute, add in wine and stir.
Add cheese wedge and reduce heat slightly. Let cheese melt and stir to combine.
Add in steak drippings (easy if you're broiling, if you're grilling, use the juices from the plate that the steaks are resting on after cooking).
Season with pepper.
Keep warm until serving.
Pour over steak and top with fried onion strings.