Caribbean Creole Steaks with Cinnamon Rice

TO PREPARE MARINADE: Combine all the ingredients in a large dish (adding salt and pepper to taste). Add the steaks and marinate at room temperature for 2 hours, turning occasionally.

TO PREPARE RICE: Rinse the rice in a strainer under cold running water until the water no longer looks milky. Drain and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a saucepan and sauté the onion, carrot, and celery over low heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the rice, salt, cinnamon, raisins, and 2 1/2 cups of water, and bring to a boil over high heat. When the water is reduced to the level of the rice, turn the heat to low and cover the pan. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and fluff with a fork just before serving.

TO PREPARE SAUCE: Heat the oil in a heavy saute pan or skillet and add the garlic, onion, bell peppers, chile, celery, and scallion, and sauté over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Stir in the oregano, cumin, and tomatoes, and saute 1 minute longer. Add the wine, vinegar, and stock, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes. Keep warm.

TO PREPARE STEAKS: Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat dry; reserve the marinade. Grill the steaks for about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare or about 6 minutes for medium, basting with marinade while the steaks are grilling.

TO SERVE: Spoon a bed of rice onto warm serving plates and place the steaks on top of the rice. Ladle the sauce next to the steaks and serve immediately.