Main Dish Monday

Comfort Monday abounds, it would seem every once in a while we all just need a hug, because life is just getting us down, and that is okay.  My grandmother always made food seem like the hug from the inside.  It made us always feel her love no matter what.  So if life has thrown you an awful curve ball, maybe you are just in a funk, then this is my hug to you. 


There are times that life throws us a curve ball and changes the best laid plans, and given the unknown craziness of this life, that what we have that is real and true has never been more important, nor have those dreams that we have held in our hearts.  There is a quote by Samuel Johnson "Things don't go wrong to break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be."  





It is times like these that we need comfort, that we find in our family, our friends, sometimes in a strangers smile, in the comfort of a hug, or dare I say even some food. Comfort food has the main purpose to provide comfort. By definition it is the food that is simply prepared and related with a sense of family or gratification.  This is the food that hugs you from the inside and gives us joy and solace it is what brings us together.  These are dishes like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, apple pie, and the list goes on.  This week is dedicated to comfort.


So when our team needs comfort, support they have each other to rest and lean on, and hoping a good meal to fill their stomachs when the day is done.  


“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  ~Henry S. Haskins

    

Steaks Smothered in Mushroom Gravy

4- 4oz beef tenderloin steaks trimmed

salt and fresh ground pepper

olive oil

1/2 cup finely minced shallots

1- 8oz package sliced baby bella mushrooms

1 mushroom gravy mix

1 cup water 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat drizzle with oil, sprinkle both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper, add to skillet, cooking 6 to 8 minutes to appropriate doneness.  Then remove from skillet and cover to keep warm.
2. If needed drizzle with a little more oil add shallots and mushrooms, cook for about 5 minutes, in a large cup whisk the gravy mix and the water then pour into skillet.  Scrape pan bottom to loosen any of the bits, once cooked, return steaks to pan for 2-3 minutes then serve.

This is best served with a nice big scoop of mashed potatoes whether you like them smooth or lumpy this adds another level to comfort.