Steak, Tomato, and Feta Bruschetta (Adorn Dinner Party)

I recently prepared food for a dinner party for Adorn Media Group. It was a fun experience, and I got to meet some great ladies! The dinner was family style, with drinks, dessert, and lots of food! It was a great time to talk and connect!

One of the more popular dishes was a steak, tomato, and feta bruschetta.  I used a honey glaze on the steak to add sweetness, which contrasted well with the tart feta cheese and tangy tomatoes. The bread was a great addition, but also a perfect vessel to bite into! The balsamic glaze was a perfect topper to finish!

Steak, Tomato, and Feta Bruschetta (makes 24)
1 Baguette
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
2 tbsp Olive Oil
24 Grape Tomatoes
8 oz Feta Cheese, Crumbled
1 lb Flat Iron Steak
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp Pepper
1 tbsp Honey
Balsamic Glaze or Reduction

1. Slice the baguette into about 1/2 inch slices. Lay them flat on a sheet pan and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toast in the oven at 350 until dried out and slightly golden on the edges.
2. Slice grape tomatoes into 4 pieces.
3. Cut steak into manageable pieces, and season on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Preheat the pan. When it's hot, add the steak and cook until done, about 2 minutes on each side. Check by applying pressure (learn how to cook the perfect steak here),
5. After it's done, brush the outside of the steak with the honey, then rest for 10 minutes.
6. Cut the steak into thin slices.
7. Layer the bruschetta with bread, tomatoes, steak, feta, and balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.


The steak bruschetta is a pretty simple way to impress guests at your next dinner party! It's a great hors d'oeuvre, and can be made beforehand. All you have to do is keep all the components separate (and the steak warm) until you're ready to stack and serve!

Here are some more pictures from the event!

Summer Peach and Honeysuckle Cocktail (recipe here)

Pesto Pasta with Golden Tomato [chicken on the left] (Pesto recipe here)

 Portabello and Goat Cheese Spread on Toast with Spinach (recipe here)

 Caprese Salad Skewers

Green Bean Salad with Cranberry and Almonds (recipe here)

 Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookie with Vanilla Ice Cream (recipe here)

Overall, the event was a great time, and I wish adorn luck as they continue to serve their tastemakers!

Photos taken by Johnny Cheng (www.JohnnyChengPhotography.com)

Nut-Free Basil Pesto

Nut allergies are extremely common, one of the top 5 most common food allergies. During my freshman year, my roommate had a nut allergy. We had dinner one day at the campus eatery. She ordered pesto pasta, but didn't mention to omit the pine nuts. Luckily, she didn't have a severe reaction, and when I made pesto, I couldn't help but think about that moment.

Pesto is a great sauce. It can be used as a pasta sauce, as a spread on bread or in a sandwich, as well as a seasoning for baked chicken. Depending on the purpose, you can adjust the amount of salt and pepper. For something like pasta you may need more. For a sandwich spread you may need less. The same would go for the olive oil.

Basil Pesto 

2 bunches Basil

1 Lemon

4 cloves Garlic

1/4 cup Grated Parmesean Cheese 

1/2 cup Olive Oil

1 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Pepper

1. Remove the basil leaves from the stem. 

2. Peel and roughly chop the garlic. 

3. Slice lemon in half. 

4. . Place basil, garlic, parmesean, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a food processor. 

5. Grind down to chop and slowly add the olive oil. 

6. Stream the olive oil in until.the sauce reaches a pasty consistency. 

7. Remove from food processor and use as desired. 

You can also add nuts if you would like. Traditionally pesto is made with pine nuts, but walnuts also work well. You can add a small handful of each to the recipe. 

Pesto also freezes very well! You can place into a small airtight plastic container or into an ice cube tray :) Just defrost to use. The pesto defrosts relatively quickly because of the oil. You can pull it out for a quick dinner option with pasta, veggies, and chicken!