Featuring Original 4 Rivers recipes from The Southern Cowboy Cookbook.

Valentine’s Day is all about indulgence, and what better way to celebrate than with a stunning, home-cooked meal straight from The Southern Cowboy Cookbook by our very own John Rivers? This year, skip the reservations and treat your loved one to a bold, smoky Coffee-Crusted Cowboy Ribeye Steak, followed by the ultimate Southern comfort dessert—Crispy Cream Bread Pudding made with Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

The Main Event: Coffee-Crusted Cowboy Ribeye Steak

Nothing says “romantic dinner” quite like a perfectly grilled steak. This bone-in ribeye, generously marbled and coated in a smoky, slightly sweet coffee rub, is all about deep, bold flavors. The secret? Let the flames do the work—resist the urge to flip too often, and let the steak develop that signature crust.

Pro Tip: For the perfect bite, pair it with a bold red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

Coffee-Crusted Cowboy Ribeye Steak

Ingredients:

Cowboy Rib-Eye Steak

  • 1 (16- to 18-ounce) ribeye steak, bone-in, 2 to 3 inches thick. (Ask your butcher for a French cut if you want to show off a bit.)
  • 4 tablespoons Coffee Rub (recipe follows), or a 50-50 blend of kosher salt and coarse pepper
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, divided

Coffee Rub (Makes 2 ¼ cups)

  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup coarsely black pepper
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground coffee
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic

Instructions:

  1. Season the steak generously with the Coffee Rub or salt-and-pepper blend.
  2. Grill the steak over charcoal (or gas, if needed) to achieve a dark, charred crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Avoid flipping the steak too often—let it sit so the crust develops.
  3. During the last few minutes of grilling, baste with half of the softened butter and add the sliced onions to the grill until caramelized.
  4. Remove the steak from heat, top with the remaining butter, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

The Sweet Finale: Crispy Cream Bread Pudding

Inspired by Paula Deen and taken up a notch, this dessert is pure decadence. Cubed Krispy Kreme doughnuts soak up a rich mixture of half-and-half, eggs, and cinnamon before baking into a golden, gooey masterpiece. And let’s not forget the finishing touch—warm rum glaze drizzled over the top for that extra hint of indulgence.

Pro Tip: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce to really make hearts melt.

Crispy Cream Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

Pudding:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple
  • ¾ cup raisins
  • 1 dozen Krispy Kreme™ doughnuts, cubed

Rum Glaze:

  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup half-and-half
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons rum (Mount Gay preferred)
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
  2. Make the pudding: In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, half-and-half, and eggs using an electric mixer. Stir in cinnamon and vanilla.
  3. Fold in pineapple, raisins, and cubed doughnuts. Cover and refrigerate for an hour so the doughnuts soak in the liquid.
  4. Bake for 60 minutes or until the center is jelled but not firm or dry. The pudding should be puffy and golden.
  5. Make the rum glaze while the pudding is baking: In a saucepan over low heat, warm the butter, half-and-half, vanilla, and rum. Slowly whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth and bubbling. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  6. Finish the pudding: Puncture the top of the baked pudding every ½ inch with a butter knife. Pour the warm rum glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into the cuts. Cover completely with glaze.

Tip: Bake the pudding in a water bath (place the baking dish inside a larger dish filled with water) to keep it moist. The water should rise about 80% up the sides of the smaller dish.

Make It a 4R Valentine’s to Remember

Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or celebrating solo with an incredible meal (because self-love is important, too!), these recipes bring all the warmth, comfort, and deliciousness you need.

Grab your copy of The Southern Cowboy Cookbook and bring the magic of 4R to your home this Valentine’s Day!