It’s always a struggle to think of something new and exciting to get your mom for Mother’s Day and your dad for Father’s Day every single year. We’re big fans of gifting an EXPERIENCE for those special life moments when you can’t figure out the perfect present.

For mom, it was hosting a “Rosé All Day” Party.

For dad, how about a steak and wine pairing experience at home? With the fun addition of a steak topping bar!
First off, how to cook the perfect steak.  If you’ve got a grill, that’s the best way to make a delicious steak every time, hands down.

If you don’t have a grill, here is your foolproof way to make steak using only a cast iron pan, your stove, and your oven. Yes, all three! That’s how the pros do it.

1. Heat the cast iron pan until piping hot.
2. Add a swirl of oil (or butter).
3. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side
4. Pop the cast iron in the broiler for 2-3 more minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

How to make it extra special? A steak toppings bar will do the trick!

Start off with two decadent sauces to make dad feel like you brought the steakhouse to him.

• Peppercorn Sauce is a favorite for those who like rich, peppery flavors. Try this recipe from All Recipes: https://www.allrecipes.com/peppercorn-sauce-recipe-7484937
• Bearnaise Sauce is for the lover of all things rich. Try this recipe from the New York Times: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017389-bearnaise-sauce

Round out your toppings bar with crispy onions (canned is fine), finely chopped chives, and sauteed mushrooms.
Side dishes can be simple: baked potatoes (with a toppings bar as well), steamed asparagus, and a Caesar salad should do the trick.

While you’re cooking, open up your big “steak-friendly” red wines to give them time to breathe.  If you have a decanter, decant your red wines for an hour ahead of time.

Nest, grab a bag of Tipsy Mix “Bold Full-Bodied Red Wines” to nosh on as you taste the wines and prepare dinner. The dark fruit, cinnamon spice, and dark chocolate notes in the mix mimic some of the aromas and flavors in the wines.

A classic pairing with red meat, specifically with steak, is Cabernet Sauvignon.  Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red grape on the planet. And what makes it a good pairing with steak are the tannins. Tannins are a naturally occurring chemical compound found on the skins of grapes. And since only red wines (not whites) are fermented with the skins, only red wines given tannin influence. Tannins give a bitter, drying, astringent sensation in the mouth.

Another place you can find tannins is in dried tea leaves, specifically black tea. When you accidentally oversteep your cup of tea, you REALLY feel the tannins.  The reason why tannins and steak go together is because of the fat content of the steak. The fat interacts beautifully with the dry tannins to replenish the moisture in your mouth.

Here are a few Cabs to pair with your dad’s favorite steak, plus a couple of other options for those wanting to try something new.