Mache' Salad with Bison Steak, Creamy Soy Ginger Dressing

This simple salad is turned up with a high protein, low fat bison steak.  Bison steaks are available in most grocery stores and are a great alternative to traditional beef steaks, just don't overcook them or they get tough.    This healthy dish takes about 20 minutes, feeds two and costs about $15

Creamy Soy Ginger Dressing
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 tablespoons heavy cream

Mache Salad
2 heads of Mache' lettuce
1/4 head of frizze
1/2 carton grape tomatoes
1/2 yellow bell pepper

Bison Steak
Season heavily with salt and pepper.  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Start a medium pan on medium high heat and let it get very hot.  Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and then steak.  Let cook about 4 minutes on each side or until nicely browned.  Place the whole pan in the oven for about 10 minutes.  Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Buon Apetitto!!

Asian Style Baby Back Ribs

I made these ribs for my going back to New Jersey barbecue party and they were amazing!  There were 9 racks in total, half Asian and half traditional.  These Asian style ribs were amazing but using traditional or any form of custom spice and sauce with this technique will ensure a finger licking outcome.  This recipe for three racks takes 1.5 hours of prep and 3.5 hours of cooking time, costs $40 and feeds 6 to 10 people.

Hoisin Glazed Baby Back Ribs
3 racks of baby back ribs, cleaned of membrane
1/2 cup asian dry rub
 - 5 tablespoons five spice powder
 - 5 tablespoons kosher salt
 - 5 tablespoons brown sugar
 - 2 tablespoons ground ginger
 - 2 tablespoons garlic powder
 - 2 tablespoons chilli powder
 - 1 tablespoon cumin
 - 1 tablespoon cayenne
 - 1 tablespoon coriander
2 cups Hoisin Glaze
 - 8oz Hoisin Sauce
 - 8oz BBQ sauce, Bullseye or Sweet Baby Ray's
 - 1 small ginger root, peeled and rough chopped
 - 2 cloves or garlic, rough chop
 - 2 tablespoons Nama shoyu, or regular soy sauce
 - 2 tablespoons ponzu sauce
 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
 - 1 tablespoon dry rub

First you have to clean the ribs of the membrane along the back side.  This is tedious and annoying (among other expletives) but makes for a fall off the bone tender result. Using a sharp pairing knife cut the fat between the ribs and then pull off as much of the membrane and fat as possible.  See the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQVIMKDpZfg Once the ribs are cleaned, cover liberally with the dry rub and wrap individually in heavy duty aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to 12 hours.  Preheat oven to 270 degrees.  Place foil wrapped ribs on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 1 hour.  Remove and then open the aluminum foil.  Baste the ribs on both sides with the Hoisin Glaze and place back in the oven for 1 hour uncovered.  Remove from the oven and glaze again.  Cook 30 minutes and repeat the glazing process.  Cook 30 more minutes.  Remove the ribs from the oven a turn the oven to low broil.  Place the ribs on the bottom rack for about 15 minutes or until then begin to brown a bit.  Remove, slice and serve.

These turned out very tender with a sweet and smokey flavor.  Thanks to everyone for coming out to the party!! Buon Apetito