French Onion Steaks with Chocolate-Covered Berry Shakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 12 oz fresh berries about 3 cups
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup chocolate shell topping
- Whipped topping optional
- 3 oz Deli aged white cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ lb boneless grilling steaks such as NY strip, ribeye, or tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1.25-oz packet dry onion soup mix
- ¾ cup reduced-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup french-fried onions
Instructions
- Place milk, berries, and ice cream in blender (in that order); shake chocolate topping well and pour over ice cream. Let stand 1 minute to harden.
- Process until ingredients are well blended. Divide mixture into 4 glasses; top with whipped topping if desired. Serve.
- Shred cheese (½ cup).
- Coat both sides of steaks with oil and soup mix (wash hands).
- Shred cheese (½ cup). Coat both sides of steaks with oil and soup mix (wash hands).
- Preheat large, nonstick sauté pan on medium 2–3 minutes. Place steaks in pan; cook 2–3 minutes on each side or until browned. Add broth to pan; cook and stir 3–4 minutes or until broth has thickened slightly and steaks are 125°F (for medium rare; warm red center), 130°F (for medium; warm pink center), or up to 170°F (for well done).
- Top steaks with cheese and cover pan; cook 1 minute to melt cheese. Remove steaks from pan; top with fried onions. Serve with pan sauce.
Notes
- The doneness temperatures for medium rare and medium stated above are traditional temperatures used for cooking steaks, but are not recommended by the USDA. To maintain food safety, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F, as measured using a food thermometer, with a 3-minute rest time before carving.
The Perfect Wine Pairing for French Onion Steaks with Chocolate-Covered Berry Shakes
A decadent dinner like French Onion Steaks with Chocolate-Covered Berry Shakes deserves the perfect wine pairing to enhance its bold flavors and create a truly unforgettable dining experience. The combination of savory, umami-rich steaks and the sweet, indulgent shakes requires wines that complement both elements without overwhelming the palate.
Pairing Wine with French Onion Steaks
French Onion Steaks are a delightful fusion of juicy, seared beef topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese. The deep, savory flavors call for wines that can cut through the richness while enhancing the dish’s complexity.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – This full-bodied red wine is an excellent match, offering bold tannins that complement the richness of the beef while balancing the sweetness of caramelized onions. Look for a Cabernet with dark fruit notes and hints of oak for added depth.
- Merlot – For a softer option, Merlot provides velvety tannins and a balanced profile of plum, black cherry, and subtle spice, harmonizing beautifully with the savory flavors of the dish.
- Syrah/Shiraz – If you prefer a wine with a bit of spice, Syrah’s peppery undertones and robust structure make it an excellent choice to stand up to the bold flavors of the steak.
Pairing Wine with Chocolate-Covered Berry Shakes
Pairing wine with dessert can be tricky, especially when dealing with rich chocolate and fruity berry flavors. The goal is to choose a wine that enhances the sweetness without becoming too overpowering.
- Ruby Port – A classic choice, this fortified wine boasts luscious notes of ripe berries and chocolate, making it an ideal complement to the chocolate-covered berries in the shake.
- Brachetto d’Acqui – This lightly sparkling red wine from Italy features bright strawberry and raspberry notes with a touch of sweetness that pairs effortlessly with chocolate and berries.
- Zinfandel – For those who prefer a red wine with a bit more structure, Zinfandel’s jammy fruit flavors and hints of spice can enhance the richness of chocolate while complementing the tartness of berries.
Tips for Serving the Perfect Pairing
- Temperature Matters: Serve red wines slightly below room temperature (around 60-65°F) to enhance their flavors without overpowering the meal.
- Decanting: Allow full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon to breathe for at least 30 minutes before serving to unlock their full complexity.
- Balancing Sweetness: When pairing with desserts, choose wines that are slightly sweeter than the dish to avoid an overly tart or bitter experience.
