COCOA RUB FOR STEAK RECIPES

Steps:

• In a pie plate or bowl, combine coffee, cocoa powder and cinnamon. Set aside.
• Rub the steak with olive oil, then sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
• Coat the steak with the coffee-cocoa mix, pressing it into the meat.
• Grill to your preferences.

Steps:

• Cocoa Rub
• Mix all the ingredients to make the rub. I used a mortar and pestle to grind rosemary and ensure there were no lumps in cocoa powder. Store all but one tablespoon in a jar.
• Salsa
• Add the chopped strawberries, jalapeño, cilantro and red onion to a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, mix the lime juice and warm honey until sugar is dissolved.
• Pour over the strawberry mixture. You can do this step in advance, storing in the fridge to let the juices set.
• Scoop in the chopped avocado just before serving to avoid the red juices turning its color brown.
• Venison Loin
• If possible, season the venison a few hours in advance with a sprinkle of salt. When ready to cook, pull it out of the fridge and rub generously with 1 tbsp. of the cocoa rub until well coated.
• Place a cast iron pan or griddle on top of your grill and set the heat to medium-high. Once the grill is pre-heated, and cast-iron is hot, near smoking, add a tbsp. of oil to coat.
• Lay each steak on the cast iron and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side so that you develop a good crust. Remove the meat when it reaches 125°F and let it rest under foil for 5 to 10 minutes or until it comes to the final temp. of 130°F (medium-rare).
• Serve with the avocado-strawberry salsa.