Smoky Cilantro Pesto Crostini with Tender Ridge Angus

 
 
Ingredients
  • 2 beef shoulder center (ranch cut) steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 8 ounces each)*
  • 24 slices baguette bread, cut diagonally 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Cotija cheese (Or grated parmesan)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
 
Smoky Cilantro Pesto:
  • 3 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 small chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil 
 
Instructions
  1. Prepare Smoky Cilantro Pesto. Place cilantro, pine nuts, chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice and black pepper in food processor container. Cover; process until finely chopped. Add cheese; pulse on and off until just combined. With motor running, slowly add oil through opening in cover, processing until smooth. 
  2. Spread 1/4 cup pesto evenly onto beef steaks. Place steaks in glass dish. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours. Cover and refrigerate remaining pesto. 
  3. Place baguette pieces in single layer on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake in 350°F oven about 6 minutes or until lightly toasted but not brown. Set aside.
  4. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook 12 to 16 minutes for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Carve steaks into thin slices; season with salt.
  5. Spread 2 teaspoons remaining pesto on each toasted bread slice. Carve steaks into thin slices. Place beef slices evenly over bread slices. Top evenly with 1/4 cup cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
 
*Could substitute your favorite steak cut
 
Recipe and photo courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Board and National Cattlemen's Beef Association