My brother and I have always had a fun rivalry going when it comes to cooking. We have very similar palates but with very different tastes. We both still go for the meat-heavy dinners; however, we are each finding ways to branch off and be a bit more adventuresome. My brother Scott is on his 20th year in the United States Marines Corps and is home with us before he and his family are to be stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Scott, his wife, and their three beautiful daughters will get the experience of a lifetime in Japan, enjoying yet another wonderful culture for at least three years. I have always, in some form or fashion, looked up to my brother, but now I am completely jealous! What an awesome experience, especially for the kids. I want to personally thank him for defending my freedoms and yours. It is because of the sacrifices that he and the people he serves with make that allow us to do even simple things that we might take for granted, like writing (or reading) this blog.

It is always a running joke with our family when we all get together who will actually do the cooking. I leave it to him most time, mainly because I don’t want him to feel bad when my food is better than his. Even though we could both learn from each other, this meal was amazing. It definitely has the Manly Housewife seal of approval! I’m glad to share it with you. The seasonings were perfect and the meat flawlessly cooked, tender and juicy. The salad with the cilantro was such and exciting twist that I am working on other salads I can add this ingredient to and add some unique, new flavor. This is a meal that will not disappoint.

Scott’s Spiced Pork Steak

Serves 6

Ingredients

6 8-oz Pork Steaks

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon Smokey Mesquite Seasoning

1 Tablespoon Garlic Salt

Salad with a Twist

Serves 6

Ingredients

4 Cups Green Leaf Lettuce

1 Carrot, shredded

1/2 Bunch of Cilantro, top snipped

4 Button Mushrooms, sliced

Croutons (optional)

Salad Dressing of Choice

Directions

1. In a Ziploc bag or marinade dish, combine steaks, olive oil, mesquite seasoning and garlic salt.
2. Mix well and marinade for at least 4 hours (8 would be preferred).
3. Before dinner, prepare salad, combining all ingredients in a large bowl and serve with dressing of choice.
4. To cook meat, fire up the grill. You know the grill is at the right temperature when you can hold your hand no longer that 2 seconds 2 inches from the grill.
5. Caution: it is gonna flare up, but you want the high heat to sear the meat.
6. Cook steaks 7 minutes both sides or until juices run clear.
7. Let stand for 10 minutes covered with foil to let juices redistribute throughout steak, then they’re ready to serve.
8. Enjoy!