Rib Eye Steak with Vanilla Pepper Rub and Roasted Vegetables

When you think of vanilla, you’ll automatically think of desserts or cakes. But why not give the vanilla a try in the savory kitchen. It’s a uniquely flavored spice that brightens up your steaks or chops. On a visit to Oxbow Public Market in Napa, I found a vanilla pepper rub from Whole Spice. The smell of the rub pulled me in, and I had to have it, even though it was kinda expensive. The sweet, fruity smell and the kick from the pepper made me want to go home and cook. Basically I found my new spice for this BBQ season.

We have tried it on rib eye steaks and now I'm in love with the rub. The steak gets an exotic and spicy flavor that really stands out in a very good way. The vanilla pepper rub, is the new black in my house.

I might try to make my own vanilla pepper rub. I just have to find the right balance between black pepper, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, lemon, thyme, nutmeg and cloves. Or I'll just have to order a big batch, so it will last the whole summer.

If you ever stop by Oxbow Public Market and Whole Spice, try the vanilla pepper rub, it’s to die for. You can also order it online. It's worth every penny.