Dinner out is always an exciting prospect for me. I won’t lie, a big part of it is because I don’t have to do prep or clean up. Honestly though, most of the time it also feels kinda disappointing. I’m a pretty good cook and baker, so I love trying new recipes. Like any good cook, I tend to make changes to suit the particular tastes of my family. In fact, I’ve gotten so good at it that when eating out, I end up feeling that we just wasted money…hence the disappointment.

There are some exceptions, of course. Certain ingredients or tools are too pricey for casual use or something that only I like. Some things I just haven’t mastered yet. I used to put steak in that impossible category, until I found the secrets to making a resturant quality steak at home…and it doesn’t involve a grill. Yup, that’s right, I said it. No grill.

Laugh if you will, but have you actually seen the inside of a restaurant’s kitchen? They don’t usually have a BBQ to throw the steaks on.

The method I like using now is all thanks to this:

http://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Steak-in-a-Frying-Pan#

Life’s pretty good when you learn how to cook a really good steak. In fact, this method works great on pork chops too. Plus, you don’t have to stand outside.

Though, let’s face it, it’s fun to go out and enjoy company and atmosphere. Getting to exchange drab every day duds for that new outfit is an uplifting experience. Trying new foods and beverages, gives me inspiration. Hanging out with family and friends, talking, laughing, dancing, are the things that make life worth living. Cheers!