Steak Friday and an Onion Ring Treat

It is becoming ever more true that my kids' activities, school, sports, social and otherwise, outnumber mine.  Though my kids are old enough to be left at home without a babysitter, now comes the challenge of getting them everywhere they need to be.  Sometimes, our activities get put on the back burner.  Oh yes, I do remember when first pregnant with Maggie, I did utter the words, the baby will not change our social lives.  But that first outing proved that statement to be quite untrue.  I have to admit, it is indeed my own choosing for my sweets to change most parts of my life.  That is a blessing and a challenge.  So, sometimes we make plans and then things inevitably arise and my natural homebody self heads straight for the comfy sweats and starts thinking about what excellent homebody dinner to make. 


Steak of course!  And what do I find in my freezer but a couple of prime New York strips.  A simple preparation here.  Defrost, then bring steaks out and let come close to room temp before grilling.  Salt and pepper generously both sides of the steaks.  Grill to your desired temp.  Top with a pad of butter and some crumbled blue cheese.  I love Maytag Blue.  Now here's the extra treat.

Sweet onion rings:
1 cup flour
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp chipotle powder
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
3/4 cup beer
2 tablespoons vodka
Canola or peanut oil (for deep-frying)
1 large sweet onion, sliced thin, about 1/8 - 1/4"

Sift together flour, salt, chipotle, cayenne and baking powder into a large bowl.  Whisk in beer and vodka.  Heat oil in a large heavy pot to 350f.  In batches, depending on how large your bowl and pot are, put onion slices into the batter, shake off excess and then dip each individually into the oil.  Let fry for a few minutes until golden.   Don't crowd the pot.  Remove and drain on paper towels.  Repeat.  

As a side note, our friend Dan recently changed my mind completely  about bourbon.  To get through the frying process for the onion rings, mix one excellent Manhattan.

Stir, do not shake.  Orange peel garnish, instead of maraschino cherry.  Use a single barrel Kentucky bourbon.