I love to host a great party.  I always enjoy having friends and family around my kitchen while I'm cooking and then delight in pleasing them with the prepared meal.  Saturday night was just such a night.  I had planned to grill some steaks but thankfully the Lord blessed us with a rain shower that was heaven sent.  

I had to cook the steaks in the house and have learned how to do so in the oven.  They are as good as you would put on a grill and even more tender.  You must start with a thick tenderloin or porterhouse steak.  You will also need an iron griddle.  You can use a an iron skillet if there are only two of you for dinner.  I have a big iron griddle that I use to cook 8-10 steaks.

You start with great meat.  Trim it up and let it get to room temperature.  Then heat your oven to 500 degrees and put the iron skillet/griddle in the oven to fire up.  I then remove the skillet/griddle and place it over the open flame on my stove and sear one side of the meat.  When you flip the meat, it's time to put it back in the oven and cook it for 4 to 9 minutes at 350 degrees.  You do about four minutes if you want it rare.  Five for medium rare and seven for medium.  Nine to ten minutes will get you a well done steak.   

It's so easy to cook and takes less than 15 minutes.  Why not buy some big juicy steaks and invite some friends over for dinner this week.

Birthday

Tomorrow is my Mother's birthday.  We will all gather at her house to celebrate.  I can't believe she is another year older.  She sure doesn't look it or act like it.  She still mows her yard, washes her windows twice a year, and wipes down her baseboards every month.  I've always said that if cleanliness is next to godliness, Mother will be sitting in Jesus' lap.  

It's funny too that when I was a kid - I hated to clean.  I still don't much care for it but her values of a neat home inspire me today.  I don't like to go to bed at night with my kitchen a mess.  I make my bed up every morning (unless Ray is still in it!).  I don't mind getting rid of clutter.......I'm great with a big garbage sack!  I am even trying to do better at keeping up with the laundry.

You know they say that you do become your mother.  Boy I hope so!  She is one amazing, beautiful woman.  I hope that I have her strength, beauty (inner and outer) and zeal for life.  She is fearless and protective yet gentle and compassionate.  She sets high expectations not only for herself but for all of around.  Happy Birthday, Mom!  Thanks for making sure I had the best Mother ever!