Bear for dinner

This is not to be confused with "beer" for dinner, Rob's dream come true!
No, my husband and son killed a poor, defenseless girl bear last year (we named her "sherry" because it rhymed with: beary, scary, and hairy). So, last night, we ate the tenderloins, grilled. She is actually quite tasty and we'll enjoy her rug when it's finished in November (at the family cabin, thankfully!). Anyway, I share this in order to tell you about my very easy way to prepare steak (the beef variety). We also enjoyed lemon-herb potatoes. I had these for the first time at my sister-in-law's house and have loved them ever since. I made steamed broccoli and then we topped the evening off with a delicious apple cake. The cake recipe is from my trusty "brethren" cookbook which I've had since before we were married. The only problem with the recipe is that it makes a laughable amount of icing. Otherwise, truly delicious!


Grilled steak: I typically use ribeye or strip steaks with this recipe

I simply marinate the steaks (for at least an hour) with drizzled olive oil, and plenty of kosher salt and ground black pepper. I then grill the steaks to our preferred doneness (medium) and allow them to rest for five minutes before serving. That's it!


Lemon-herb potatoes

small red or white potatoes (2 per person)
5 T salted butter
fresh herbs, minced (I used what I grow: oregano, basil, chives, parsley)
1 lemon, juice and grated rind
salt, pepper

1. Boil potatoes in large stockpot until tender. Drain and place back into pot.
2. Add remaining ingredients and cover. Turn stove to high and cook for about 3-5 minutes. I keep the lid on and shake the pot every so often to insure even browning.
3. Remove from heat and serve.



Apple Cake- a perfect fall dessert

1 cup oil (I used a cup of plain yogurt, to reduce the fat, and because it was almost expired)
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 t baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup walnuts (I have never added these, but I usually add raisins)
4 cups sliced apples (I do not peel these)

1. Mix wet ingredients, slowly add dry ingredients.
2. Stir in apples and walnuts and/or raisins.
3. Place in 9x13 and bake at 350 for one hour

Icing: (I usually triple this recipe, at least...we really like icing!)
1/2 T soft butter
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
3 oz cream cheese

beat together until smooth and spread on cooled cake