A Jacked-Up Rib Eye

DEAR SOS: We had the most delicious ribe eye steak atthe Colorado Belle Casino in Laughlin, Nev. It had been marinated in Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Can you get the recipe?

BEVERLY EMLEY

Oak Hills

DEAR BEVERLY: Here are the recipes for the marinade and gravy served with the steak. Steve Cox, the executive chef, says Black Angus rib eye steak is used at the restaurant, but any tender cut of steak may be used. You can use almost any whiskey or Bourbon as well.

Colorado Belle Casino Rib Eye

Active Work Time: 10 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 4 hours

When this recipe was tried in The Times Test Kitchen, we felt that the steaks were good enough to eat without the gravy. In fact, the sauce added little to the dish. But try it if you like.

WHISKEY-MARINATED STEAKS

6 rib eye steaks

1/4 cup olive oil

2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon thyme

1 tablespoon rosemary

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Whiskey

* Place rib eye steaks in single layer in shallow pan. Sprinkle both sides with olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Add enough whiskey to cover steaks halfway. Marinate several hours or overnight in refrigerator, turning steaks halfway through.

* When ready to cook, remove steaks from pan and shake off excess liquid. Place 2 inches from source of heat and broil or grill over hot coals until done as desired. Serve with Gravy.

GRAVY

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon minced red onion

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon minced roasted garlic

1 tablespoon minced mixed fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary and parsley

3/4 cup whiskey

3 cups beef broth

1/2 cup cornstarch

Water

* Heat olive oil in medium saucepan. Add onion, pepper, garlic and herbs, and cook, stirring often, until onion is soft. Add whiskey and heat. Ignite (being careful to keep hands, clothing and face away from flames). Let flames die down. Add beef broth. Simmer 20 minutes.

* Mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water until smooth and liquefied. Add to simmering gravy, stirring constantly until gravy thickens slightly. Pour into gravy boat to serve with steaks.

6 servings. Each serving: 461 calories; 529 mg sodium; 80 mg cholesterol; 25 grams fat; 12 grams carbohydrates; 29 grams protein; 0.30 gram fiber.