Secret Ingredient: Smoked Paprika

In the colder months, when it's too frigid to fire up the grill, I always add smoky flavors to my dishes to recreate that charred taste I love.

One of my favorites is smoked paprika. It provides a sweet, cool, smoky flavor without the heat. Smoked paprika can be found at your local specialty market or online. Just last night, faced with below freezing temperatures and a craving for something smoky, I used my go-to dried spice rub on a flank steak. You could cook your flank steak in a grill pan or broil it. Here's my personal recipe:

• 1tablespoon smokedpaprika
• 1teaspoonground cumin
• 1teaspoondried oregano
• 3/4teaspoongarlic powder
• 1/2teaspoonsalt
• 1/2teaspoondried thyme
• 1/4teaspoonground red pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl; rub evenly over flank steak. Let stand 30 minutes before cooking. You might want to try smoked paprika on your tacos, in your soups, or your salads. There's a million uses, so start the new year on an adventurous (and smoky) note.

Photo: Courtesy foodistablog