Man time sure does fly! Just typing that sentence makes me feel soooo OLD! But I really do feel like the older wiser I get the faster time goes by. I can’t believe it is already the 5th month of the year 2010… and it is already the 8th day of May! How can time possibley go this fast!?!
Anyways, since it is already the 8th day of the 5th month of the year 2010, I guess I had better announce May’s CBOM (cookbook of the month). I am so excited about this cookbook and am already having fun making the recipes. This month since summer is fast approaching I thought I would feature Sandra Lee’s Semi-Homemade Grilling. I know I have featured a Sandra Lee cookbook in the past; and although I feel like some of her recipes a ‘too simple’ or ‘too basic’ at times, I have always had success with any SL recipe I try. Plus isn’t grilling and summer time supposed to be an easier lazy time of year.
One thing I like about Sandra Lee cookbooks are the tip and info pages at the front of the book. In this section she shares grilling tips, useful tools, and pantry staples (specifically for grilling). Another feature about this book that I enjoyed is that each recipe has directions on how to prepare that recipe on the grill AND also gives directions on how to make that same recipe without a grill. This is great because if you are like me and don’t have access to a grill on a daily basis (I mean I have my trusty George Foreman; but not a get the coal hot and ready manly man type of grill) or if you do have a ‘manly man… get the coal ready type of grill’ but want a burger or grilled steak in the dead of winter you know you got other options.
This cookbook features everything from burgers to steaks, to fish and chicken, to sides and desserts and cocktails… all made on the grill (ok the cocktails aren’t made on the grill, they are made for sippin’ while working the grill). So far the recipes I have tried from this book are quick and easy (perfect for a busy weeknight or lazy weekend) and taste great. I can’t wait to try more. And because I have limited access to a grill I have included Sandra’s (and my own) modifications on how to make all of these recipes in the comfort of my own home.
First up I made these Cheesesteak Sandwiches. These were easy peasey and delicious. Eric makes a great, classic Philly Cheesesteak, however these were not your classic Philly’s. These sandwiches were loaded with flavor (loved the marinade) and Eric’s homemade jalapeño mayonnaise give these sandwiches that extra love. And did I mention these were super easy made off the grill.
Cheesesteak Subs
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Serves: 4
1 pound top round steak
2 green bell peppers, 1/2-inch slices
1 large onion, 1/2-inch slice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion soup mix
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
12 slices swiss cheese
12 slices provolone cheese
Jalapeño Mayo (recipe below)
4 sandwich rolls
Slice steak into very thin slices. Place sliced steak into large zip-top bag, set aside.
In another zip-top bag, add sliced peppers and onions. Set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour half of marinade into each of the zip-top bags. Mix marinade into meat and veggies, making sure to fully coat all meat and vegetables.
Preheat saute pan. Saute vegetables (in the marinade) until caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add steak and saute. Remove and set aside.
Split rolls in half. Spread sandwich rolls with Jalapeño mayonnaise. Top each half of the rolls with the steak and vegetable mixture. Add three slices of provolone cheese on top of one half of the sandwich and add three slices of swiss to the other half. Place sandwiches under broiler to toast and melt cheese. Serve.
adapted from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Grilling
Eric’s Jalapeño Mayo
by Eric (and Heather) of Kitchen Concoctions
Prep time: 15 minutes Makes: 1/2 cup
1/2 cup mayo
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeño pepper
1/2 of a small green bell pepper, seeds removed
salt and pepper
Place all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until blended. Serve on your favorite sandwich.
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