Fire, Beef, Bacon and Beer

It is grilling season once again. Grab your favorite beef, fire, bacon and a beer and let the grilling games begin!  
I love cooking on the grill, in fact I cook on the grill every chance I get regardless of the season.  In my mind there is no other activity I enjoy more than closing the day with a great steak on the grill and a glass of wine!
Understanding some of the basics is a must for a perfect experience.  
1.  If at all possible don't buy prepackaged steaks because plastic traps in moisture.  Talk to your local butcher, supermarket butchers are just fine.
2.  Understand your grades and buy USDA Prime or Certified Black Angus if you can.  A less expensive alternative is Choice graded steak.
3.  Marbling is the thin white streaks you see throughout the meat this is the fat that adds flavor, juice and tenderness.
4.  To ensure that your steak/meat cooks evenly remove from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
5.  Take the time to preheat your grill, a must, you shouldn't be able to hold your hand over the heat for more than 2 or 3 seconds to know you are good to go.
6.  Sear a solid crust on your steak before flipping if you move the meat too soon it will stick to the grill.
7.  Check for your desired doneness and err on the side of undercooking so you don't ruin a great piece of beef, you can always add time but you can't take it away.
8.  Finally, let your steak rest for 5 minutes off the grill before slicing or serving to allow the juices to settle into the meat.

Finish with a drizzle of high quality balsamic vinegar.  Look for one that is thick, almost like you made a reduction, for great flavor.  Add some rosemary butter and you are good to go:  Take 1 stick of unsalted butter slightly softened add some salt, I love Maldon regular or smoked, to taste, 2 tsp. crushed black peppercorns, 2 tsp. honey and 2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary.  Mix together until smooth and drop a large dollop on the steak and let the heat of the steak melt the butter over the top.

Bon Apetit! Enjoy   Look for more summer grilling ideas and meat know-how to come!