Steak Enthusiast

It’s getting close to Christmas and the tension in the air is palpable at our house.

We like to tell stories with our kids before we go to bed. And now that Christmas is only days away, ALL our nighttime stories are Christmas-related.

My husband and I try to impress upon the kids that old adage about being “naughty or nice” and the possibility of a lump of coal in their stockings. Things like, don’t beat your brother black and blue trying to race him to change the “countdown to Christmas” statue to today’s number.

Santa doesn’t like that.

So, at story time a few days ago, my oldest added a new twist to the lessons we have been carefully teaching.

“Once upon a time,” he began, “the elves were busy building toys in the North Pole. And Santa was getting the reindeer in line. Sometimes they didn’t listen to him. So Santa grabbed some steaks and threw them at them. One got stuck in Blitzen’s antlers. The end.”

Apparently steak is so prevalent in my house that that’s the first thing that came to mind for Santa to hurl at the reindeer. Nice.

My littlest’s eyes were so wide by this time. You could see the gears turning in his head.

“Mama, what happens when Santa is naughty?” he asked.

Sometimes I just want to scream, I DON’T KNOW, PEOPLE! THIS STUFF ISN’T EVEN REAL!

But I maintained my composure and ended the night with a brilliant, “Well, that’s silly, honey. It’s a made-up story. Santa would never do that. Good night.”

I never said I was the kid whisperer. Often, it’s enough to just get through the day without any obvious psychological damage.

I am, however, wondering if the story about Santa chunking steaks at the reindeer might just become a new classic. Maybe you’ll see it on TV next year. 7 pm on ABC Family channel?

Or maybe not.

Photo courtesy of DigitalDreamMachine.com.

Cold weather brings out the snugglebunny in me. And a must is warm food to take the chill off.

Isn’t this steak sandwich/tomato soup combo to die for?

Winter weather means lots of homemade meals and sharing good food with people you love.

Oh, and it means lots and lots of leftovers. This sandwich makes great use of your steaky leftovers — and creates a whole new meal!

Grilled Steak Sandwich

2 tsps vegetable oil

1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin

salt to taste (optional)

2 slices bread, buttered on one side (I like the sourdough)

1-2 slices cheese (I like the Swiss)

leftover steak, sliced thin

In a medium sauté pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent and golden (about 5-10 minutes depending on the heat and how impatient you are). Add a little salt if desired. Remove from heat and set aside. You can either use the same pan (cleared of onions) or another flat-bottomed pan and place a slice of bread, buttered-side down on medium heat. Layer the cheese evenly on the non-buttered side of the bread. Then layer the steak over the cheese. Top with onions and set the second slice of bread non-buttered side down on the sandwich. The cheese will begin to melt in a few minutes. Watch that the base bread doesn’t burn during the cheese-melting phase. When the bread is crisp and golden, flip the sandwich to brown the other side and then serve. Makes one great sandwich.

Photo and recipe courtesy of UseRealButter.com.

All was quiet in the house (well, except for the kids)

We decided it was time for a strip

So that’s what we did

A salad to start

Some mashed potatoes as a side

We talked about the holidays — and life

It’s been quite a ride

How did it get to be Christmastime already?

A few days ago it was 70 degress

Now the snow is comin’ down heavy

Nothin’ like grilling with your gloves on

When you’re serious about a steak

It was fun while it lasted —

Our at-home holiday date.