Temptress in the Kitchen

 

This recipe is a temptress from the very beginning.  I love browning meat that has been floured.  It always reminds me of spending time with my grandparents in Florida.  My grandpa was the cook and he could fry meat and fish up like nobodies business.  After you brown the meat, you throw in the onions and celery and look out!  The aroma's in your home will have the neighbors running over to find out what your cookin' up!  My dad could smell it and he lives about 3 miles away.  He knew he was coming over for dinner though so he was able to stay calm until my mom got home.  Needless to say, they left with very happy bellies!



Swiss Steak

2 pounds beef bottom round, trimmed of excess fat
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon drippings
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups beef broth

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Cut the meat with the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices and season on both sides with the salt and pepper. Place the flour into a pie pan. Dredge the pieces of meat on both sides in the flour mixture. Tenderize the meat using a needling device, until each slice is 1/4-inch thick. Dredge the slices on both sides once more and set aside.

Add enough of the bacon drippings or vegetable oil to just cover the bottom of a 4 to 5-quart Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the steaks to the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove the steaks to a plate and repeat until all of the steaks have been browned.

Remove the last steaks from the pot and add the onions, garlic, and celery. Saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Next add the tomatoes, paprika, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and beef broth and stir to combine. Return the meat to the pot, submerging it in the liquid. Cover the pot and place it in the oven on the middle rack. Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender and falling apart.

Source: Food Network - Alton Brown  Can Alton Brown ever have a bad recipe?  I didn't think so!





Creamed Peas

2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
2/3 cup water
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white sugar

In a medium saucepan, combine peas, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then stir in butter.
In a small bowl, whisk together cream, flour, and sugar. Stir mixture into peas. Cook over medium-high heat until thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Source: Allrecipes.com

Because sometimes you just need some comfort food.  What's your favorite comfort food?


~ Enjoy!