Cherry-Balsamic Rib Eyes With Gorgonzola Sauce

Over the weekend, I made these steaks which just happen to be my recipe entry into the Beringer's Great Steak Challenge this past summer.  (The final cook-off will air soon on the Cooking Channel.)  I wound up winning second place in my region, but more importantly, I created a recipe that my family has asked for again and again. 

In fact, I got a "This is SO much better than steaks marinated in Dale's Seasoning, Mom!"  (The ultimate compliment.)

I have created many recipes over the years, but very few of them please everyone in my family.  This one does, much to my surprise.

This recipe transforms regular steaks into something really special.  I love the sweetness of the cherry glaze with the tanginess of the gorgonzola sauce.  Here's some things to remember:

-I grow my own chives, but you could substitute finely chopped green onion.

-Rib eyes are hands down my favorite cut of steak, but you use your favorite cut.  I want you to be you.  Don't compromise yourself.

-If you have leftover cheese sauce, cook up some pasta and stir it in.  It's yummy.

-I haven't tried it yet, but I bet the cherry balsamic glaze would be equally delicious on a pork chop or pork loin.

-You can be liberal with the sea salt.  I think it's a bit milder than regular salt. 

-I've been getting my rib eyes at Sam's Club.  They come in packs of four and they're cut thick.  Since we don't eat steak very often, I like to make sure and get it right, and by right I mean a nice thick-cut steak at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.  It's much easier to achieve a nice medium rare when they're thick. 

-You know to let your steaks rest before you cut into them, right?  I knew I didn't need to tell you that. 

-My recipe is written to cook everything on the grill, but you could cook the sauces on the stove.  

Sea Salted Rib Eyes with Cherry Balsamic Barbecue Balm and Gorgonzola Grill Sauce

(Cherry-Balsamic Rib Eyes with Gorgonzola Sauce)

Printable Recipe

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

3/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

1 (15-ounce) can dark sweet pitted cherries in heavy syrup

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/3 cup light brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

6 boneless rib eye steaks, 8-10 ounces each, cut 1 inch thick

Coarse sea salt, for seasoning

Coarse black pepper, for seasoning

Olive or vegetable oil to grease grill rack

Fresh chives for garnish, if desired

Preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat.  Place the heavy cream in a fireproof medium heavy bottomed saucepan with a lid and place on grill, closing grill lid.  Bring to a boil, then let cook for about 10-15 minutes.  Remove from heat and whisk in the gorgonzola and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.  Stir in the chives.  Cover and set aside.

Meanwhile, process the cherries and syrup, balsamic vinegar, light brown sugar, and chopped garlic cloves in a food processor or blender until smooth.  Baste both sides of all the steaks with the cherry balm.  Pour the remaining balm in another medium heavy saucepan with a lid and place on the grill over medium-high heat.  Close grill lid and bring to a boil. Let cook for 5-10 minutes or until sugar dissolves and mixture reduces and thickens slightly, whisking occasionally.  Remove balm from grill and let cool until steaks are done cooking.

While the sauces are cooking, season steaks very generously on both sides with sea salt and black pepper, pressing into the steaks.  Coat grill with oil.  Place steaks on grill over medium heat and cover with grill lid.  Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side for medium rare (145 degrees) or until desired doneness is reached, turning once.

To serve, spoon a pool of gorgonzola sauce onto each plate and top with a steak.  Drizzle the tops of each steak with the reduced cherry balm.  Serve any remaining sauce or balm withsteaks.  Garnish with fresh chives, if desired.  Six servings.