HEALTHONLINEUS

### Fall-Inspired Steak Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Chimichurri Dressing

With the shift in leaves and the coolness in the air, fall introduces a variety of flavors that shine in a robust steak salad. This fall-inspired steak salad includes succulent grilled steak, roasted sweet potatoes, and a colorful chimichurri dressing, making it an ideal dish for the season.

#### Ingredients

**For the Salad:**
– 1 lb flank steak (or your choice of cut)
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 cups mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, and kale)
– 1 red onion, sliced thin
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Chimichurri Dressing:**
– 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust as per taste)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste

#### Instructions

**1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:**
– Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Mix the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
– Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

**2. Cook the Steak:**
– While the sweet potatoes are roasting, season the flank steak with salt and pepper.
– Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it achieves your preferred doneness.
– Take the steak off the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

**3. Make the Chimichurri Dressing:**
– In a bowl, mix the chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
– Stir in the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend well and set aside.

**4. Assemble the Salad:**
– In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, sliced steak, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
– Drizzle with chimichurri dressing and gently toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.

**5. Serve:**
– Portion the salad onto plates and top with extra chimichurri dressing if desired. Relish this vibrant and delicious fall-inspired dish!

#### Nutritional Benefits

This steak salad is not only flavorful but also loaded with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are abundant in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. The mixed greens offer essential vitamins and minerals, while the steak is a rich source of protein and iron. The chimichurri dressing, made with fresh herbs, brings a flavor explosion and extra health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

#### Conclusion

This fall-inspired steak salad with sweet potatoes and chimichurri dressing is a fantastic way to embrace the season’s flavors. It merges hearty ingredients with fresh herbs, resulting in a fulfilling and healthy meal. Whether served as a main course for dinner or a filling lunch, this salad is likely to become a staple in your autumn menu.

**Lavender-Infused Blueberry Muffins: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Treat**

Lavender-infused blueberry muffins offer a unique and aromatic twist to the traditional blueberry muffin. The subtle floral notes of lavender complement the sweet and tangy blueberries, creating a delightful flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, these muffins are sure to impress family and friends.

**Ingredients:**

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray.

2. **Prepare Lavender Sugar:**
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lavender buds. Use your fingers to gently rub the lavender into the sugar, releasing the oils and infusing the sugar with a floral aroma.

3. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, lavender-infused sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

4. **Combine Wet Ingredients:**
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

5. **Create the Batter:**
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense muffins.

6. **Fold in Blueberries:**
Gently fold the blueberries and lemon zest (if using) into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

7. **Fill the Muffin Tin:**
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

8. **Bake:**
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

9. **Cool and Serve:**
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

**Tips for Success:**

– **Culinary Lavender:** Ensure you use culinary-grade lavender to avoid any bitterness or soapy taste. This type of lavender is specifically grown for cooking and is safe to consume.
– **Fresh or Frozen Blueberries:** Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
– **Storage:** Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

Lavender-infused blueberry muffins are a delightful way to elevate a classic recipe with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home, these muffins are sure to bring a sense of calm and joy to your day.

### Apple Scones with Spiced Glaze: An Ideal Cozy Autumn Recipe

As the foliage changes and the air gets brisk, nothing compares to the comfort of warm, freshly baked scones that capture the cozy essence of fall. Apple scones with spiced glaze provide a wonderful indulgence that melds the sweetness of apples with the soothing tastes of cinnamon and nutmeg. This recipe is excellent for a relaxing weekend brunch or a midday snack paired with tea.

#### Ingredients

**For the Scones:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1 cup peeled and chopped apples (approximately 1 large apple)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**For the Spiced Glaze:**
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2-3 tablespoons milk (or as necessary for texture)
– A pinch of salt

#### Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg by whisking.

3. **Incorporate the Butter:**
Introduce the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

4. **Add the Apples:**
Carefully fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are uniformly spread throughout the mixture.

5. **Mix the Wet Ingredients:**
In another bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract together. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated. Take care not to overmix; the dough should be a bit sticky.

6. **Shape the Scones:**
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and lightly knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive mass. Flatten the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into wedges (like a pizza) or use a round cutter for individual scones.

7. **Bake:**
Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

8. **Prepare the Spiced Glaze:**
While the scones bake, mix the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, milk, and salt in a small bowl. Adjust the milk until you achieve your preferred glaze consistency.

9. **Glaze the Scones:**
After removing the scones from the oven and allowing them to cool slightly, drizzle the spiced glaze on top of each scone.

10. **Serve:**
Savor the apple scones warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite autumn beverage.

#### Tips for Success

– **Apple Variety:** Combine sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a richer flavor profile.
– **Storage:** Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for extended preservation.
– **Customization:** Feel free to mix in nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits like cranberries for extra texture and flavor.

### Conclusion

Apple scones with spiced glaze are a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall. Their soft crumb and sweet, spiced topping render them a comforting treat that will surely satisfy family and friends. Whether enjoyed right from the oven or as part of a cozy gathering, these scones are an exceptional element to your autumn baking collection.