Over the past couple of years, I've come to enjoy cooking more and more. Even as a kid I was a little interested in making dinner or trying to cook this or that, but not seriously or every day. When you move away from home, however, cooking becomes survival. Yeah, sure that's a little dramatic, but seriously if you don't learn how to cook you won't eat. And if you don't eat, well you die. It's pretty simple really. You could eat out every day, but that gets expensive. You could make cereal every night but that gets boring. So, eventually you have to learn to cook. I guess what I'm trying to say is this is when I started to actually cook. I think cooking for me is interesting because I'm getting to create something. As a designer, I create things on the computer every day, but there's something to say for making things with your hands. Even if that something is food. Plus you get to share it with the ones you love and you can eat this art. Not to say my food is art, but cooking is culinary art.
Now onto why I picked a cast iron skillet to talk about cooking. I used to always think cast iron skillets were what old ladies in the south used to fry an egg or make corn bread with. It wasn't till I actually started cooking that I realized how awesome a cast iron skillet can be. It, without a doubt, makes some of the best steaks. You could use a grill and that's great and all, but a pan seared steak will change your life. It's probably my favorite thing to cook and it's so easy.
I couldn't leave you hanging so this is where I tell you how it's done. You get the skillet ripping hot, drizzle in some oil, and toss in a steak. I highly recommend you go to a local butcher to get your meat. This will also change your life. You might have to pay a little more, but I'm telling you it's worth it. We love the bavette steak because it's perfect for pan searing. Let it sit out on the counter for about 30 min and then season with salt and pepper right before you throw it in the pan. Then what I do is use the constant flip method. I let the steak sit on one side for one min and then flip it over. Do this for 3-4 minutes each side and you'll get a nice medium rare steak. This will depend on the thickness, but 3-4 minutes each side is a good place to start. I also like to take it up a notch and throw in some butter and baste the steak. Also, I like to throw in some crushed garlic, rosemary, and thyme, and you're well on your way to an awesome steak. When it's all cooked let it rest for a few minutes and enjoy. It's that simple. Now if you're a visual learner like myself, I suggest you watch this Jamie Oliver video here. He says oregano and herbs funny so it's worth a watch. Now go get a steak from the butcher and impress your friends and family.
P.S. You're welcome for changing your lives today. To all the gluten free people out there, good news, this steak is gluten free. That should go without saying, but they put gluten free on everything these days. I thought I might give it a go myself.