Chipotle Rubbed Steaks With Gorgonzola Toasts Recipes

SMOKY CHIPOTLE STEAK RUB

Steps:

• Combine ingredients.
• To use: rub steaks with a liberal amount of spice rub and wrap in plastic wrap for up to 12 hours (refrigerated).
• Allow steaks to come to room temperature before cooking.
• Makes enough rub for 2 large steaks (t-bone or porterhouse).

CHIPOTLE RUB

Steps:

• Grind 1 1/2 stemmed, seeded, chopped dried chipotle chiles in a spice mill; transfer to a small bowl. Grind 2 tablespoons pink peppercorns, 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds in the same spice mill; transfer to bowl with chiles. Stir in 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon mustard powder.

CHIPOTLE-RUBBED STEAKS WITH CILANTRO-LIME BUTTER

Steps:

• To prepare, build a fire in your grill; if using a gas grill, turn both burners to high.
• Put all spice paste ingredients in a food processor and puree. Rub steaks all over with paste (it will be rather thick) and set aside.
• Combine ingredients for cilantro-lime butter in a small bowl and mash with a fork until well mixed and an even consistency. (May be made earlier in the day.)
• When all coals are covered with gray ash and fire is medium hot (you can hold your hand 5 inches above grill for 3 to 4 seconds), put steaks on grill directly over coals and cook until well seared, about 7 minutes. Turn and cook another 7 to 10 minutes for medium rare. Remove from heat, top each steak with a couple tablespoons of butter and serve.

CHIPOTLE-RUBBED STEAKS WITH GORGONZOLA TOASTS

Steps:

• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Finely grind bay leaves, paprika, chipotle, and cumin seeds in spice grinder. Reserve1 teaspoon mixture. Transfer remaining mixture to plate.
• Sprinkle steaks generously with salt and pepper. Press both sides of steaks into spice mixture on plate and rub to spread evenly. Grill steaks to desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
• Brush cut sides of bread with olive oil. Grill, cut side down, until slightly charred, about 1 minute. Spread Gorgonzola onto grilled side of each bread slice. Sprinkle cheese with ground black pepper and reserved spice mixture. Return bread to grill, cheese side up. Grill until cheese begins to melt and bottom of bread is slightly charred, about 1 minute. Sprinkle bread with thyme; place 2 slices on each of 4 plates. Serve steaks with bread.
• *Crushed chipotle chile pepper can be found in the spice section of most supermarkets.