homage to Joe: steak dinner

homage to Joe - steak for dinner!

Today's post is dedicated to my beloved father-in-law, Joe Stump, because this week would have marked his 66th birthday.  We lost him in 2008 but there is not a family celebration or holiday that we don't feel his absence.  Joe was a warm, funny, energetic and loving family man.  He had a gift for storytelling, practical jokes and most of all, for empathy. You would often find him outdoors - with projects, golfing, gardening, biking, boating, etc. He loved to entertain and spend time with family and friends. Many an evening took place on a porch or patio watching over a grill and laughing together.  A classic meal with Joe would begin with cocktails and crudite, and end with Nana's mushroom rice and a nice, big steak. So tonight, we'll pay homage to Joe with that menu and a toast - to a wonderful man who's influence remains a loving force for our family.

cheers to Dad!

Today I'll share with you the homemade spice mix that Jeff and Ryan made to season our steaks.  (Joe was a big fan of Lawry's!)

Savory Steak Seasoning

Ingredients:

2 t salt
2 t paprika
1 t freshly ground black pepper
1/2 t chipotle chile pepper (we used McCormick's)
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 cumin (could also use coriander)
(you could add cayenne for more kick)

Directions:

Mix together and season both sides of your steak.  You can do this up to a day in advance (storing in the refrigerator) and the flavors will deepen. Leftover seasoning will keep in an airtight container for a few months. This recipe can easily  be doubled or tripled.  This batch was more than enough for our four filets. These would be great on the grill and that is how we began. But it was so cold and windy that we finished inside on a grill pan.

PS  The steaks were wonderful; I'm amazed that both our boys can devour their own.  And we shared wonderful stories of Papa.  A great way to remember him and to begin a season where appreciating each other is so important.