Happy Birthday to Me

Yesterday was my birthday.  I decided to make it a quiet one and just have dinner at home with Hubbell.  I took the day off at work and took a yoga class and a spin class at the Y.  I had intended to have New Zealand salmon for dinner, but my evil twin took over and soon I was at the meat counter.  I got a wonderful New York strip steak.  I picked up a Yukon Gold potato, a local tomato and string beans.

It had been my intention to keep red meat off of this site.  But yesterday was a special day and, I want to honestly blog about my diet and exercise habits.  So, for the sides: I washed the potato and put it in a casserole dish.  I cut the top off the tomato and cut an X across the top, about 1/4" down.   I topped it with salt and pepper and Herbs de Provence. I placed it next to the potato and roasted both together for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees.  For the steak, I heated up my trusty cast iron skillet - remember to put the pan on the stove over medium heat for 10 - 15 minutes.  When it was sufficiently hot, I put the steak on - grilling each side for 4 minutes.  I had placed the steak on the counter so it was room temperature when it hit the pan. 

When the steak was done I covered it in butcher paper and let it rest.  I topped it with a small tab of butter.  I put butter and salt and pepper on the potato too and topped the dish with the string beans. To prepare the string beans you blanch them by putting in boiling water for a minute or so and then straight into a iced water bath.  I sautee them in extra virgin olive oil and sliced garlic. 

I didn't notice a difference on the scale this morning so my evening of indulgence wasn't that much of a crime.  As I've said before - life is too short - you have to treat yourself every now and then!