Leti's Steak Tampequena with Kathryn Kennedy Lateral

 Found in The Fishy Chips

General Zhow in Beijing, China knows that a simple assassination is often the easiest way to eliminate problems. And there are big problems with his operation half a world away in Santa Clara, California where a group of students and college instructors have been recruited to steal the secret chip that is at the heart of the U.S. Military's anti-ballistic missile system. 

From Chapter 14

When I opened my apartment door, the vanilla smell from the candles created a calming effect, soft jazz was playing and on the table two glasses of Kathryn Kennedy Lateral sat inviting me to partake of this elixir from the gods.  I had recently discovered this exciting California wine, which was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot grapes.  Elaine was standing by the table, arranging silverware, and wearing a striped blouse, tan slacks, and a big smile that grew even broader when I hugged her.  I wanted to tell her that I loved her, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

I decided to make a dish from Leti's recipe collection.  Steak Tampequena is one of my favorites because I enjoy the blend of green chili and cheese. After sautéing the onions and tomatoes, I put the steak in the broiler and cooked one side.  Then I took it out and placed the onions, tomatoes the green chili and a piece of cheese on the uncooked side.  The steak with beans, rice and tortillas plus a mixed green salad with vine ripened tomatoes became  the perfect dinner. Of course, I drank Lateral before, during and after the dinner.   While we were eating, I tried to explain to Elaine what was happening in the case.
     

Kathryn Kennedy Winery

In 1973, after attending viticulture courses at UC Davis, Kathryn Kennedy, purchased eight acres in Saratoga, California on the inland side of the Santa Cruz Mountains where she planted the entire estate with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.  In 1979, Kennedy made her first wine and then in 1981, her son, Marty Mathis, took the position as winemaker.  Kathryn Kennedy passed away in August of 2009.

 In August 2007 the Kathryn Kennedy Estate Vineyard achieved official Certified Organic Status via the California Certified Organic Farmers, (CCOF) of Santa Cruz, California.  Several practices have been instituted including avoiding pesticides, not using weed killers, growing cover crops to keep the soil healthy, composting, using electric golf carts, using biodiesel fuel for larger equipment, and recycling as much as possible.

Kathryn Kennedy Winery produces around 7,000 cases a year of Cabernet Sauvignon, Lateral, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah.

Leti's Steak Tampequena

Sometimes Rick craves for a steak and Leti’s Steak Tampequena usually hits the spot.  The peppers, the vegetables, and the cheese provide a nice touch as does the Lateral.  This is not a spicy dish so place a bottle of hot sauce on the table for those so inclined.

Serves 4
3-4 thin sliced steaks (round, sirloin or whatever)
2 small onions (minced)
4 Roma tomatoes (chopped)
4 cloves of garlic (chopped)
2(4 ounce) cans whole roasted green chili peppers (not chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4-6 slices Monterey jack pepper cheese or white Mexican blend cheese (sliced length wise)

The chilies, garlic, onions, and tomatoes

Cooking the chilies, garlic, onions and tomatoes

The second side is ready for broiling

Heat olive oil in the pan and add onion, garlic, and tomatoes.  Sauté for 3 minutes or until tender.  Set mixture aside.  Preheat oven to broil.  Cut green chilies into long strips and set aside.  Sprinkle seasoning salt on both sides of steak.  Broil steaks for 3-4 minutes on one side.

The steaks are ready to serve

After removing the steaks from the oven, turn them over and place the mixture of tomato, onion, and garlic evenly on the steaks.  Top with 2-3 strips of green chili.  Next, place a slice of cheese on top of each steak covering the mixture and green chili strips.  Broil until steak is done and cheese is melted.  This usually takes about 3 minutes.  Serve this with some rice, beans and a little salad.  Hot sauce and tortillas should also be available.