Mystic and I have been on a new hunt. To find a really good cheese steak. Over the past several months, we’ve had a few suspects. All have been three shades of lousy. And so the hunt continues. Surely we are close enough to Philly to be able to find a decent go-to cheese steak, but so far, no dice. In the meantime, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
One weekend night last month, we stayed in, cooked, and watched movies. Although I love a night out with the best of ’em, I have many moments of pure, unadulterated homebodiness. I love my home. And the people that I share it with. And some times a lot of times, I just don’t want to budge. There’s nothing cozier than hearing the wind wailing outside and seeing the temps dive into the teen digits, but being inside with family and friends, a roaring fire, a movie on the tv, and food made from my own hands. Little better.
These cheese steaks are not authentic by Philly cheese steak standards, but they were deliciously tummy-warming, and a perfect low-key meal for a night in.
January 17, 2012 – Bonus Photo
I can not tell you how much I love her personality. I might not love it so much when her willfulness transforms into teen angst, but now? It’s just plain awesome and I so love that she’s a part of our life. I have a bunch of masks that I bought for photography gigs (most recently used when I gave them as parting gifts to twelve pre-schoolers after sitting through a round of picture-taking), and Madeline came downstairs wearing one this morning.
“Don’t call me Madeline today. Call me bulldog.”
Yes, ma’am!
She wore it while she got herself dressed, and while I packed her lunch bag. On the drive to drop off Nick. And as we pulled up to her school.
Do you want me to take it off and keep it in the car for you?
“No. I’m wearing it to school today.”
Whoa, what do we have here? her teacher exclaimed when she saw my little ferocious creature.
“Bulldog. Call me bulldog,” she said in a deep voice. There was no breaking character here.
Her teacher laughed. Alrighty then.
I love that she will wear the mask on a whim. Just because. Along with my necklace and earrings, which she is refusing to give back.
Love her to bits.
Cheesesteak Sandwich
Recipe heavily adapted from AllRecipes
1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1 yellow pepper, cut into thin strips
4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and minced garlic. Cover and refrigerate. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. While the oven is preheating, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the green and yellow peppers and onions and cook until softened. Season with salt and pepper. Add the beef and saute until lightly browned. Remove from heat. Spread each bun with the garlic mayo. Top evenly with the peppers, onions, and beef. Add the cheese. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Put open-faced on baking sheet in oven and toast until the cheese melts.
I recently found this recipe for cheesesteak from Elie Krieger and I absolutely loved it. http://www.bhg.com/recipe/open-face-philly-cheese-steak-sandwiches/. It tastes great and its a little lighter!
What a joy your daughter is. I’m so glad you embrace the person she is rather than try to mold her into something “expected” of a child.
The steak sammy looks divine!
I’ve actually never had a real serious philly cheesesteak and I don’t even like mayo…but garlic mayo sounds ideal in so many ways.
Maddie really is the best. You can tell her I said that.
She’s a little doll, but with a mind of her own! That will serve her well in the future. Just remember, Mom, the teenage years don’t last forever… you’ll make it through just fine! :)
Just love that she goes with whatever her mood tells her to! Might make for some interesting teen years, but in the meantime it’s fun!