Welcome Home Dinner

When Mr. Bear gets home from deployment he typically wants grilled salmon, asparagus and a salad.  However, this time he requested a steak.  Actually, when he called home he said he wants "lots of red meat." Clearly he was going through meat withdraw.  I planned my menu and went to the local butcher.  When I told them their lovely bacon wrapped filets would be the center piece of my homecoming meal, they all started clapping and offered their heartfelt "welcome home" greetings.  I was very touched by their enthusiasm.  After a few tears, I headed home to finish my prep work.  I had a tasty red wine ready for the dinner, which was picked out by Yanni, the owner of a local wine store near my house.

I wasn't expecting Mr. Bear till late afternoon.  Of course he surprises me and calls around 8AM saying he was home.  I figured "home" was back in the US.  Oh no.  He was downstairs in the parking lot.  As luck would have it, I was still in bed.  I'd stayed up late the night before cleaning so I was exhausted.  I figured I had plenty of time before his arrival.  Of course, the one time I'm not dressed and ready he shows up early!

I feel truly blessed he came home safe.  As a military wife, I don't take that for granted. Cheers and good eats to all my military families! God bless our military and the best country on earth- USA!

On the menu:
Bacon wrapped filets with balsamic reduction and garlic butter
Roasted asparagus with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
Roasted sweet potatoes with maple syrup drizzle

Balsamic Reduction:
Recipe courtesy of Brian Boitano
Food Network.com

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

Balsamic Reduction:

In a small pot, over medium-low heat, add the vinegar and brown sugar, and whisk to combine. Cook and reduce until thick, about the consistency of maple syrup. Whisk in 2 tablespoons butter and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve drizzled over filet mignon and asparagus.

I seasoned the steaks with salt and pepper.  I heated my grill pan and browned the steaks on all sides for about 3-4 minutes.  Make a garlic butter mixing soften unsalted butter with small dice garlic, salt and pepper.  Pre-heat the oven to 375*.  After browning the steaks I put them in the oven for about seven-ten minutes with the garlic butter. (Bear likes his medium rare and I like mine medium.) Use a thermometer to test for desired temp. Put the steaks on a plate and wrap them in foil to rest for about 10 minutes.

Asparagus -Cut the hard woodsy parts of the stem off, sprinkle them with salt and pepper and toss in olive oil.  Put in 400* oven for about 7-8 minutes.

Sweet Potatoes- peel the skins off, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss in olive oil.  Bake for 20 minutes or until fork tender.  Lightly drizzle with maple syrup.