Cocoa-Rubbed Steak With Bacon-Whiskey Gravy

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• 3 1 -pound New York strip steaks (about 1 1/2 inches thick)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 4 strips bacon, diced
• 1 leek (white and light green parts only), finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whiskey
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Make the steak: Mix the cocoa powder, both paprikas, brown sugar, cayenne and 2 teaspoons salt; rub on the steak and bring to room temperature, 30 minutes.
2. Make the gravy: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring, until crisp, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; set aside.
4. Add the leek to the drippings and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat.
7. Add the whiskey, then return to medium heat; if the alcohol ignites, let the flames die out.
8. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
9. Add the chicken broth and bay leaves.
10. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the mixture is reduced by one-quarter, about 8 minutes.
11. Whisk in the heavy cream and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the gravy coats a spoon, about 7 minutes.
12. Stir in the butter, reserved bacon and parsley; season with salt and pepper.
13. Keep warm.
14. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat, about 3 minutes.
15. Add 1 tablespoon butter; when it melts, add the steak and sear until a dark crust forms, about 8 minutes per side.
16. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.
17. Season with salt.
18. Slice and serve with the gravy.
19. Photograph by Anna Williams

cocoa, sweet paprika, paprika, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, unsalted butter, bacon, only, flour, whiskey, lowsodium, bay leaves, heavy cream, unsalted butter, parsley, kosher salt

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/cocoa-rubbed-steak-with-bacon-whiskey-gravy-recipe.html (may not work)