NEW YORK STEAKS WITH WASABI SAUCE
Serves 4 3 tablespoons each whole black, green, and pink peppercorns 1/4 cup Port wine 4 New York steaks, each about 6 ounces Salt 1-1/2 tablespoons safflower oil 2/3 cup dry red wine 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 2/3 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup store-bought organic beef broth 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 2 teaspoons prepared wasabi paste (from the ethnic food section of well-stocked markets, or your local sushi bar) The night or morning before you plan to serve the steaks, put 1 tablespoon each of the black, green, and pink peppercorns in a small glass bowl or cup. Add the Port wine, cover, and refrigerate. Just before you begin to prepare the steaks, remove the soaked peppercorns from the refrigerator and drain off any Port that they haven't absorbed. Set aside. Put the remaining 2 tablespoons each of peppercorns in a small, heavy-duty plastic bag. With a rolling pin, crush the peppercorns. With a sharp knife, trim excess fat from the steaks. Season the steaks on both sides with salt and the crushed peppercorns, pressing the seasonings into the meat. Heat a large, heavy, non-reactive skillet over high heat. Add the oil and, when it swirls easily and coats the pan, add the steaks. Cook them about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove the steaks to a plate, cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil to keep them warm, and set aside. Pour out the fat from pan. Return the pan to the heat, add the red wine and balsamic vinegar, and stir and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan deposits. Boil until the mixture has reduced by about a half, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cream and broth and continue boiling, stirring and scraping occasionally, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5 to 7 minutes more. One small piece at a time, whisk the butter into the sauce. Stir in the wasabi paste until it dissolves and blends in; then, stir in the soaked peppercorns and the juices that have accumulated from the covered steaks. Season to taste with salt. To serve, place the steaks on heated serving plates. Spoon a little of the sauce with the whole peppercorns on top of each steak. Transfer the remaining sauce to a sauceboat to pass at the table. Sugar Says: A little wicked sugar never hurts --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ Access the Recipes And More list archives at: http://www.mail-archive.com/recipesandmore%40googlegroups.com/ Visit the group home page at: http://groups.google.com/group/RecipesAndMore -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
