Spice-Crusted Steaks with Cherry Sauce

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine cherries and wine; set aside. In a shallow dish, combine pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, coffee, salt, cinnamon, cumin and mustard. Add steak, 1 at a time, and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.
2. 2

   Place oil in a 10-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet; tilt to coat bottom. Heat oil over medium-high heat; sear steaks, 2 minutes on each side. Bake, uncovered, until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium well, 145°), about 15 minutes. Remove steaks and keep warm.
3. 3

   For sauce, wipe skillet clean; saute shallot in butter until crisp-tender. Add broth and thyme. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 8 minutes. Stir in cream; bring to a boil. Cook until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
4. 4

   Stir in the reserved cherry mixture. Serve sauce with steaks. If desired, sprinkle with blue cheese.