Chili Espresso Strip Loin Steaks

How can you tell the warm weather has arrived…..everyone in the neighborhood is barbecuing.

• 8 strip loin steaks, at least 1 inch thick
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 tsp. brown sugar
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. coarsely ground pepper
• 1 tsp. instant coffee espresso granules (instant coffee will do)

Preheat the barbecue to medium high. Trim excess fat from the steaks. With a sharp knife, make shallow slits 1 inch apart around the edges of the steak to prevent curling.

Mix together the dry ingredients in a small bowl.( Rub the espresso in your fingers to crush) then add to the dry ingredients. Season the steaks generously using about 3/4 tsp. per steak.

Barbecue steaks with the lid open about 5-6 minutes per side for a medium-rare doneness.

Transfer to a cutting board to rest 5 minutes, then serve with a crisp salad, corn on the cob, twice baked potato. What could be better than this meal? Oh yeah…add a beer or glass of wine and you have it.