“Baking can be done with a few simple ingredients, so it's about simplicity and nostalgia - people are reminded of their childhood.” - Paul Hollywood

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! This time of year is always so nice. I love spending time with my loved ones and creating special memories. During this season, I truly love creating treats for my family. This year my husband joined in on the fun, and we decided to create a Chocolate Chip & Candied Pecan Cast Iron Cookie!

This was super easy to make - instead of rolling out each individual cookie from my batter, G and I were able to toss all of the dough into a cast iron.

We were inspired by a restaurant in Ashburn, VA, and ever since my best friend and her husband took G and I to their neighborhood eatery we’ve been really inspired.

Check out the finished product and my preferred dessert wine pairing below.

My favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe has been featured on the blog.

We used a 12 inch cast iron for this giant cookie! The cookie has a great thickness to it, and once it cooled, was super easy to cut into triangles - almost like a pizza pie.

Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookie with Candied Pecans

The perfect dessert wine to pair with this decadent dessert was a Port wine from Stone Tower Winery - 2015 Wild Boar Porton. Stone Tower has one of the best port wines I’ve ever tried, and packs a punch with 17% ABV. It pairs so well with the dark chocolate chips used in this recipe.

Merry Christmas everyone! I truly hope you enjoy this delicious dessert, and share it with someone you love.

XO, Analise

"I don't eat red meat, but sometimes a man needs a steak." - Gwyneth Paltrow

I have not had red meat in over 5 years, but my husband absolutely loves a well cooked steak. When we got married I really wanted to learn how to make one of his favorite dishes! So, I quickly learned how to replicate one of his favorite meals at home. It can be quite costly to go to a steakhouse, and this simple recipe will make cooking at home super easy.

Today I'm sharing my recipe for G's favorite Surf & Turf dish!

What you'll need:

Your favorite cut of steak
Broccoli
Uncooked & Raw Shrimp
Garlic & Herb Seasoning
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Butter
Steak Seasoning (see below)
Olive Oil

Step 1: Marinate your steak 24 hours in advance before cooking it. I rub the steak seasoning all over the cut of meat. Also, I put a little bit of olive oil on both sides to ensure the seasoning is coated evenly. Once this is completed, you can place the steak on a plate, wrap it up with saran wrap, and store it in the fridge overnight.

Step 2: The next day, take your steak out 1 hour, before it will be cooked. It's important to have your steak close to room temperature so it will not go into shock in the cast iron skillet.

Step 3: Prepare your veggies! Cook your broccoli in a skillet for about 5-10 minutes. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the pan is heated, add the broccoli, and the garlic and herb seasoning. Stir the veggies consistently to ensure the olive oil and seasoning coat the broccoli.

Step 4: Now, it is time for the shrimp! Begin to heat up the pan to medium heat. Add butter and a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the pan is heated add the shrimp and sprinkle in lemon pepper seasoning. Sear the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 5: Lastly, it is time for the steak! Ensure the cast iron is on high heat, and coat the skillet with olive oil. Once the pan is heated, place the steak in and add a tablespoon of butter. Baste the steak to ensure the flavor is locked in! Cook the steak on each side for 3-4 minutes, while basting the meat throughout the process. Once the searing process is complete, place the steak (with the cast iron skillet) in the oven at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes. This will give the steak a perfect medium well cook - if you prefer a different cook, leave it in the oven for less time!

Tip: Ensure your steak rests for about 5-10 minutes. If you are worried about the steak losing it's heat, cover it with aluminum foil while it rests.

Step 6: Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Recipe: Surf & Turf

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