Penne with Steak and Spinach

penne with steak and spinach
This is my new favorite pasta dish! Not only is it quick and easy to make, but the flavors of the steak and dressing are so good! It’s also a great dish to make for dinner parties or larger groups because it can be served hot, warm or at room temperature. You also get your protein, carbs and veggies all in one convenient dish. It doesn’t get better than that!

I stumbled upon this recipe one day while watching Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network. Giada used arugula in her recipe, but I used spinach because the store was out of arugula the day I went shopping. I think either one works very well with the dish. Arugula adds a nice spicy flavor while spinach is much milder. You can choose either one based on your own preference.   Continue reading

Teriyaki Steak with Japanese Vegetable Soup


This recipe was inspired by two things: 1) my quest to eat low- to no-carb dinners that still leave me full and satisfied, and 2) my love for Japanese soups! I came across the original recipe in a Food Network Magazine last year and made it for dinner one night. It came out pretty good, but I’ve played around with it since to enhance the depth of the broth’s flavors and to make a more tender steak. I also changed the vegetables in the recipe to fit my own preferences :). You could add or reduce the amount of vegetables in my recipe, or even use other vegetables. Napa cabbage, spinach, white daikon, radish, snow peas, or sweet potatoes would also work well in this soup. The possibilities are endless!

The broth in this recipe has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tart flavors found in typical Japanese style soups. It is so flavorful and is perfect for any night where you’re looking for a lighter, yet still satisfying, meal. And if you’re in the mood for a Japanese style noodle soup, simply add soba, udon, or ramen noodles to the dish! I’ve added soba noodles a few times and it was absolutely delicious.

So make sure to try out this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for a Japanese inspired meal. You won’t be disappointed! Continue reading

Filet Mignon with Balsamic Syrup


Sometimes, a girl just wants a succulent piece of steak! I’m not a big steak lover, but every now and then I do get a craving for it. Going to a fancy steakhouse is nice and all, but I think it’s even better to enjoy your steak and a bottle of wine at home :). Not to mention, it’s so much more affordable to make your own steak. I bought two filet mignon steaks at Trader Joe’s for only $16! You can’t even get a piece of chicken breast at a NYC restaurant for that price. Can I get an Amen?!

I love serving my steak with this balsamic syrup. A hint of savory and sweetness added to every bite. And if you want to be extra fancy, melt a little Gorgonzola or goat cheese on top of your steak before drizzling with the balsamic syrup. Delicious!

A few important tips when cooking steak:
1) Bring your steak to room temperature, about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. This allows your steak to cook more evenly. (Some restaurants skip this step, but they have special equipment that’s designed for quick even cooking.)
2) Make sure the pan is hot! This creates a nice sear and ensures that your steak is tender.
3) Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the meat to relax, making a juicer, more tender steak. Continue reading