How to make the perfect steak (Dave Cantwell Style)

Start with a good cut of beef. The key is to buy prime beef if you can. If not, buy it from a great place that has a reputation for good beef. If you start with good beef, you will have a good tasting steak.

We used prime beef tenderloin from Costco. Yes, it's a little costly, but if you look at the cost of a prime steak from a good steak house, you will soon realize it's actually not that expensive. Our beef tenderloin made 2 meals - one with steak, the other with the "scraps" for Cadillac Stew or Bulgogi, or just a stir fry with veggies. Feel free to cut the scraps and freeze for later use.

Cut the steaks from the biggest part of the tenderloin. Make them 2 inches minimum. This should make each steak about 8 oz. Let the beef come to room temperature (covered, of course). Just before you're ready to start, wrap each steak in a slice of uncured bacon, secured with a toothpick. Season both sides lightly with granulated garlic, salt, and pepper.

Heat oven to 200 degrees. Place the steaks on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 15 minutes. This will warm the inside of the steak, but not cook it. This is essential if you want your steak rare or medium rare. Remove the steaks and spread a thin layer of butter on top and bottom of each side.

While the meat is in the oven, heat your grill as hot as it will get. If you use a gas grill, this should take no more than 10 minutes. If you're using a charcoal or wood grill, you'll want to start this much earlier.

Place the steak on the hottest part of the grill for 3 1/2 minutes per side. Remove to a pan and let rest 2-5 minutes to seal in the juice. Serve with your choice of toppings or just as is. This makes a perfect medium rare steak that will melt in your mouth!