Liana George – Recipe for Romance – Part 2 of 2

Shannon here: Liana George shares a romantic birthday present for her husband, plus a recipe for Grilled Steak with Polenta and Mushrooms, along with a chance to win a book lovers basket which includes a copy of her latest Women’s Fiction title, Perfectly Placed (book 2 in the Hopeful Heart series), a book lover coffee cup, book light, book socks, and a $10 Amazon gift card. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: July 9th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Liana:

Recipe for Romance: Grilled Steak with Polenta and Mushrooms

I’m blessed to be married to a man who likes to cook. Clint has the patience to chop, dice, simmer, and sauté that I don’t. After making some less-than-stellar creations of my own, I’ve learned that’s a necessity in the kitchen and have happily turned the cooking responsibilities over to him.

So, when it came to a gift idea for his birthday one year (2016), I decided to surprise him with a cooking class. I knew he would love an outside-the-box kind of present, and this definitely fit the bill!

I chose a Date Night class with a modern Tuscan menu. We had the best time making the meal together, but I think Clint enjoyed grilling the steak on the stovetop best.

Although we haven’t had the chance to return for another cooking class, when we want to create that date night feel at home, we go back to this meal every time. I hope that in sharing it, you and your love can experience the same joy and fulfillment we do!

Grilled Steak with Polenta and Mushrooms

Grilled Steak

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 (8-ounce) thick-cut steaks, such as a New York strip

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt to taste

Prep & cooking instructions – steak:

In a sealable plastic bag, add 3 tablespoons olive oil, vinegar, garlic, 1 teaspoon pepper, and rosemary; whisk to combine. Add steaks to the marinade and turn to coat; cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Preheat a flat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove steaks from marinade (discard marinade). Transfer steaks to skillet, turning once, 3 to 5 minutes per side or until the desired cooking temperature is met (medium-rare is 135 degrees F).

Place cast-iron skillet in pre-heated 400-degree oven and cook for 10 minutes.

Remove steak and let rest for 5 minutes.

Creamy Polenta**

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup polenta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

½ cup grated Romano cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Pan-roasted Mushrooms

6 oz fresh mushrooms (your choice)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small shallot, thinly sliced

1 small fennel or 1 tablespoon of fennel spice

1 large garlic clove, thinly sliced

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 tablespoons red or white cooking wine, divided

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves

1 teaspoon basil

Prep & cooking instructions – polenta:

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Slowly pour in polenta, while vigorously whisking to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to simmer and cook until the mixture thickens, using a wooden spoon to stir constantly and adding more broth or water as needed to adjust consistency. Refer to packaging instructions for cooking times. When the polenta is soft and creamy, stir in butter, cheese, and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

** If you don’t want to serve polenta, you could serve mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower instead.

Prep & cooking instructions – mushrooms:

Clean mushrooms and remove any stems. Slice mushrooms into ¼-inch by 1-inch pieces.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add shallot and fennel; cook until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until softened, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Working in batches, add about half the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Saute mushrooms, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add about 2 tablespoons of wine to deglaze the pan. Cook until wine is almost evaporated and transfer to the bowl with shallot mixture; repeat with remaining mushrooms and cooking wine.

Return shallots, fennel, and mushrooms to the skillet over medium heat. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Add butter and stir briskly to blend with pan juices. Remove from heat and add thyme and basil. Season with salt and pepper.

To serve: Transfer polenta to plates, spoons mushrooms over polenta and steak (if desired); serve immediately.

Bon appetite!

About Liana: Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career in writing, she was a professional organizer and is the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston. Her debut novel, Perfectly Arranged, Book One in the Hopeful Heart Series, was released in October 2021 from Scrivenings Press. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or watching tennis.

Liana’s Website             Liana’s Bookbub          Liana’s Facebook

Liana’s Goodreads        Liana’s Pinterest          Liana’s Youtube

About the book – Perfectly Placed (Book 2 in the Hopeful Heart series:

Nicki’s tasked with making New Hope the perfect place for orphaned children.

So why has everything gone wrong? 

Six weeks after leaving China, Nicki Mayfield returns to complete two critical tasks: restore order at New Hope Orphanage and reconnect with the little girl who stole her heart. However, between a stubbornly stone-walling supervisor, missing documents, and personal tragedy, Nicki faces challenges at every turn. Is she the best person to bring order – and longevity – to the place these children call home? Then, with the help of an unexpected ally, Nicki makes a life-altering decision that upends her well-planned life and the lives of those around her. Will she lose it all, or has she found the way to save what matters most?

Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Haven’t read book 1 yet?

Get your copy/copies now!      Perfectly Placed – Print       Perfectly Placed – Ebook

Liana’s books – BarnesandNoble      Liana’s books – Scrivenings Press        Liana’s Amazon Page

Question for Readers: Do you have a go to meal for date night or company? Share with us.

Come back July 5th for new from me (Shannon Taylor Vannatter)!