Barbarians

I have long been a deep, down hater-of-steak. I've never really known the allure steak has on most people. When I was a child, we almost never had steak. It was an unattainable luxury for us. In fact, even today when I hear someone is having steak I automatically think they must be filthy rich.

When we would have steak (because someone gave it to us, or invited us over), though I always found it dry and tasteless. I know that had to do with how it was cooked and I shouldn't judge it by that. But when everyone is saying how good steak is and you finally try it, only to find it incredibly dry, there is a certain amount of let down.

About ten years ago I was involved in a Bible study that always celebrated it's finishing of a book with a steak dinner. Imagine my immense anticipation of the night. I got to eat steak, a food which up to this point in my life had not been a favorite.

My pastor grilled the steaks. And they were to. Die. For. Oh so good. Delectable. Wonderful.

I've since tried to repeat that experience at home, and I have dismally failed. My steaks are dry and tasteless. A couple of weeks ago I found some steaks in the freezer. My mouth immediately started watering for Jake's steak. I was literally drooling, since I was afraid of being frozen to the freezer with a line of saliva, I left the freezer for the computer and emailed him.

"I found more steak in my freezer...how do I cook it? I've told you before I'm not a steak person, but I like the way you make it. So I need to know all your secrets!!!"

I was asking with wrong motives, I will admit that right here and now. I wasn't asking so he would tell me how he makes them, I was asking, without using the exact words, for him to rush right over and make me steak.  Because yes, I am that shameless.  

He obviously didn't read between the lines because he was not forthcoming...except to answer my question.  In his answer he said, "We're a bit barbaric here...we like to stand over the grill and eat as we go (resembles pigs at a trough)...every bite cooked to perfection (go ahead and drool)"

I did drool. A lot. And put off making steak for another million years. I'm just a big chicken. Hahahaha. Talking about steak and call myself a chicken. 

The other night I was in the mood to grill and hoped my grill wouldn't hate me, which it has a great propensity to do.  I wanted to grill my steaks. I really did. But because I wasn't sure I was ready for it yet, I set out a package of pork chops. (Nine of those bad boys at Sam's on the cheap!) 

Now, you must realize, growing up I also never met a pork chop I liked. They too, were dry and tasteless.  But I have come a long way in knowing how to cook those and as long as I don't cook them inside, I do pretty good. 

That night was my night to shine. Not only did the grill not hate me! I cooked my pork chops to perfection! I know they look a little raw or a little over done. But let me tell you, when they were completely done, MELT IN YOUR MOUTH GOODNESS.  Juicy as the day is long and the summer is hot. One could, and in fact, did cut them with a butter knife. The only seasoning I used was good ol' salt and pepper. 

I asked Dear Man as we were just sitting down if he thought I should call Jake and invite him to come feast. He assured me it was too late, although I really think he just wanted them all for himself. 

The foil wrapped package in the picture is potatoes and is our favorite way of cooking potatoes in the summer. I just cut/cube potatoes, put them in foil with a little salt and pepper and a lot of butter and put them on the grill. 

Maybe now I will try cooking steaks on the grill.....