Anyone that knows me knows that I’m a steak and potatoes kind of gal. As I’m maturing, and that darn metabolism slows, I try to eat less of that and more salads. Here is one of my favorite ways to incorporate red meat into a healthy dinner. Grilled Filet Mignon served on top of a delicious salad with lots of goodies in it. Its really the best of both worlds: Raw veggies… check! Yummy grilled steak… check! Candied Almonds… check! OK, the candied almonds are not exactly “healthy” but they sure are tasty.

Steak Salad Recipe

1 large Filet Mignon
salt
pepper, fresh cracked
7-8 leaves of romaine lettuce, (or any lettuce) chopped bite size
1 small tomato, seeded and diced
1/2 yellow pepper, diced
1/2 c sugar snap peas
1/4 c red onion, sliced thin
2-3 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette (see below)
3 tbsp blue cheese crumbles
1/4 c candied almonds (see below)
1/2 apple, sliced (I prefer granny smith)

1. Sprinkle salt and pepper liberally on both sides of the steaks. Grill to preferred temperature. Remove from grill, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin pieces, across the grain.

2. Combine lettuce, tomato, pepper, peas and onion in a large bowl. Toss with salt, pepper and vinaigrette and divide salad among two dinner plates. Top salad with the steak, then the blue cheese, almonds and sliced apples.

Makes 2 Servings

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

1/4 c balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp garlic, minced
2 tbsp shallot, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3/4 c olive oil

1. Whisk vinegar in a bowl with the garlic, shallot salt and pepper. Then beat in the oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly. (Or place all the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake to combine.) This recipe makes enough dressing for many salads.

Candied Almonds Recipe

1/4 c sugar
2 tbsp water
1 c whole blanched almonds
1 tsp unsalted butter

1. Place foil on cookie sheet and set aside. Stir sugar and water in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium and boil without stirring until mixture turns deep amber color, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 4-7 minutes.

2. Mix in almonds and butter. Immediately pour out onto foil, separating almonds with fork. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.