A Budget Friendly Steak Dinner

I remember my mom fixing this steak dinner for us.   (She doesn't)  I also remember one of my brothers friends called it "freckled steak"  (I don't remember which one).  I have cooked this steak several times for my family.  (They don't remember)  I really recommend this for 2 reasons.  1.  You can buy a less expensive cut of meat, & 2 it is different & very tasty.

Top Sirloin  - Get one about 1/2" - 3/4" thick
Italian flavored bread crumbs
1 T Olive Oil
1 Clove Garlic
Salt & Pepper to taste

Put bread crumbs on a sheet of wax paper
Pour 1 T Olive Oil into a broiler pan
Mince garlic and spread evenly over the olive oil
Coat the steak with the bread crumbs (both sides).  Place the steak on the olive oil and garlic.
Season with salt & pepper.  Turn  on the broiler.  If you want a rare to medium rare steak place the broiler pan closer to the flames.  A medium or well done steak should be farther away from the flame.  Turn the steak over about half way through cooking, and continue to broil until done.

You can add a side of potatoes, and a serving of mixed vegges.  A fresh tomato salad (recipe on next post) will round out a delectable dinner.   This is definitely a 30 minute dinner with a flavor to die for.  

Pizza Sauce - Super Simple

1     6 oz can Tomato Paste

1     6 oz can Water

       Salt & Pepper to taste

       Dried Oregano

       Dried Basil

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

        Red Pepper flakes

        Onion powder

         

Put tomato paste in a large bowl.  Fill tomato paste can with water.  This is a good measurement tool, and it will get the remaining paste out of the can.  Add salt & pepper to taste.  You will only need a small amount of basil and oregano probably 1/8 t or less.  This again depends on your taste.  The trick is to get these ingredients to work together without overpowering the sauce.  Mix all ingredients together.  The sauce should rest so all flavors are well incorporated.  No cooking needed.  If  you  make this a day ahead & refrigerate, it's even better.

No time to make your own?  

1 Jar store bought pizza sauce

Taste the sauce you bought then add the ingredients above to your taste.

Pizza sauce or marinara sauce can sometimes be a little on the bitter side.  When buying any canned tomato type product, check the label for sugar content.  Some brands put as little as 1 g of sugar, and some add 5 g sugar.  The more sugar in the canned tomato product the sweeter the sauce.

Chicken, It's Whats for Dinner

There are probably more ways to cook chicken then any other protein.  I love this recipe because I can get a whole meal ready in 30 mins.    The feta cheese is salty, so in most cases you won't need to add salt.  You do want to salt the water for the fettuccine.  You can also sneak some vegetables in with the chicken.  Just make a salad & it's dinner.                             

    Chicken Breasts w/Feta Cheese Sauce


Serving Size  : 4    Preparation Time :0:30
Categories    : Chicken

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient Preparation Method
   
  2      5 oz            Chicken Breast
  1      teaspoon      Margarine
  1      teaspoon      Flour
  1/3  12 ounce      Evaporated Milk
  1/4  cup               Feta Cheese

First put a pot of salted water for the pasta,  Then coat a large non stick skllet with cooking spray; place over medium heat until hot.  Add chicken, and cook 7 min. on each side or until done; set aside, and keep warm.  Melt margarine in a small saucepan over med heat; add flour.  Cook 1 min. stirring constantly with a wire whisk.  Gradually add milk, stirring constantly.  Stir in chives.  Reduce heat to med low, and cook 3 min or until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly.  Add cheese, and stir until cheese melts.  Spoon over chicken.  Serve over fetuccine

Anyone for Pizza & Beer

Personally I love pizza, and I've made a few. There are so many different varieties now, and so many pizza places to try. Pizza is only as good as the sauce. If the sauce isn't prepared correctly, then it seems to ruin the taste of the pie. There is something to be said when you make your own pizza. You can get inventive and make the dough from scratch, or buy it made in packages. If your busy, the fastest and easiest way is to a buy Boboli shell. All you need to do is take it out of the package add sauce cheese and your toppings. Put it in a 450 degree oven and bake between 8 - 10 Min's.

Now for the sauce. You can make your own or buy it made. (Next post will be pizza sauce) There are several brands available and it really depends on your taste. Remember one thing, if it's already made you may be able to add more herbs, salt etc. to suit your taste.

Artichoke Pizza

Amount Measure Ingredient Preparation Method

1 large boboli

1 can pizza sauce 8 ounce

1 can artichoke hearts rinsed and drained

(best to use artichoke hearts in brine or salt water)

2 oz mozzarella cheese, part skim milk shredded

basil, fresh chopped

Take the boboli out of the package and put on a round pan or oven proof plate. spoon pizza sauce on top. Add the cheese and spread close to the edge. If you top with artichoke hearts, it's best to get the hearts that are not marinated. Rinse the artichoke hearts and cut into bite size pieces. Top the pizza with either grated cheese. You can add crushed red pepper for a little zest. Pop the pizza into a heated 450 degree oven and bake for 8 - 10 mins.

The number of toppings for a pizza is unlimited. Use your imagination.

As far as the beer? Well that's all up to you.