Steaks & Panzanella

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Large dice the baguette. Halve the tomatoes. Quarter the cucumbers lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Roughly chop the olives. In a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, cucumber pieces, chopped olives, vinegar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper; stir to coat.

In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the diced baguette; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 7 to 9 minutes, or until browned and toasted. Transfer to the bowl of prepared vegetables. Wipe out the pan.

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels; season on all sides with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned steaks. Cook, turning occasionally, 6 to 10 minutes for medium-rare (125°F), or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness.* Transfer to a cutting board; let rest at least 5 minutes.

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for steak. Cook the steaks an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve this. Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, seafood or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness. 

While the steaks rest, to the bowl of vegetables and croutons, add the mayonnaise, cheese (crumbling before adding), and remaining Italian seasoning; stir to combine. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Find the lines of muscle (or grain) on the rested steaks; slice crosswise against the grain. Serve the sliced steaks with the finished panzanella. Enjoy!