"Leave some salad for dinner," she tells him mock-seriously.

"And set the table."

Once the skillet is hot, it doesn't take long to sear the steaks on both sides; Kate's wrists and forearms protest when she takes the heavy skillet from the stovetop and sets it aside to add some butter and extra-virgin olive oil to the meat.

Thick potholder wrapped tight around the handle, she slides the skillet into the oven with a soft oof, then pulls a cutting board from the cupboard.