a menu to impress?

[Csara]

I have a friend that is just wonderful to me. She is so thoughtful and always looking to help me out in any way. I want to have her and her husband over for dinner and would like to cook something fabulous for them......something that looks, sounds, smells and of course tastes delicious! Any suggestions?

[RedBedHead]

I know that you don't eat red meat but these little suckers are gorgeous and taste even better than they look.

Japanese Steak Rolls
Serves 8

1 lb. Flank Steak
16 Asparagus Spears trimmed to about 8 inches
16 Scallions trimmed to 8 inches
6 tbspns. Seasoned Rice Vinegar
6 tbspns. Soy Sauce
4 tspns. Sugar
1 tbspn. Toasted Sesame Oil

Slice Steak into 16 strips 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Pound to 1/8 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper. Place 1 asparagus and 1 scallion accross the short end of a strip of beef. Roll and secure with toothpick. Repeat. Place rolls on shallow baking pan in a single layer. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over beef. Marinate 10 minutes. Preheat Broiler to high. Broil for 5 minutes. Remover rolls from pan and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm. Transfer marinade to small saucepan. Boil until syrupy, about 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks. Spoon glaze over each serving.

[Csara]

Oh, I TOTALLY eat red meat now, Jenn. :D I have my little boy to thank for that. I had such a meat craving while pregnant and it never went away.

That looks delish! What else do you serve with it to make it a complete meal?

[RedBedHead]

We make a lime rice. I'll see if I can dig up the recipe. Maybe a nice crusty bread would be good also.

[crazylegs]

Lime Rice (http://www.familyoven.com/search.jsp?search_name=lime+rice)

Never heard of it before but you got me curious. :tequila:

[crazylegs]

I found some nice suggestions for gourmet foods using steak (http://www.familyoven.com/search.jsp?search_name=&search_ings=steak&site_id=100&site_id=103&site_id=105&site_id=107&site_id=102&site_id=101&site_id=107&site_id=106&cat_id=17). Click the word steak to see them or click here (http://www.familyoven.com/search.jsp?search_name=&search_ings=steak&site_id=100&site_id=103&site_id=105&site_id=107&site_id=102&site_id=101&site_id=107&site_id=106&cat_id=17).

Sorry to post twice , I just read the first post in the list and realized I could suggest something for that as well. :)

[HeavenLeigh]

Take Home Chef has had some tasty looking dishes. I have been dying to try a few. www.tlc.com/chef
Also you can get the recipes from Top Chef shows, some look great as well. www.bravotv.com/topchef

[RedBedHead]

Hey C,
What did you end up making?

[Csara]

I haven't done it yet. We've been sick, traveling, or busy that it just hasn't worked out yet. One of these days.....