Salisbury Steak

Confession: Before we got married, I had never used, bought, or eaten (knowingly) potato flakes.

I remember going to the store shortly after we were married, and Porter suggested we buy some. I turned up my nose. Why would you use dehydrated flakes from a box when you could just make the real thing from a potato? Yet, there they were in our shopping cart.

Confession: I used to love the school cafeteria's Salisbury steak.

I know, I know. Yuck, right? I'm not sure what it was, but Salisbury steak was one of the few things, I liked from school lunches. Perhaps it was that my mom, as far as I remember, never made Salisbury steak, and so I had nothing to compare the school's to.

Confession: I still really like Salisbury steak, and still really don't like potato flakes. That is unless the potato flakes are in a Salisbury steak.

Cook's Country had a recipe for Salisbury Steaks which I wanted to try. You can find their recipe here. I omitted the port. I found it interesting that this recipe called for potato flakes. According to Cook's Country this is supposed to help the patties stay together and remain moist.

First, whisk the milk and the potato flakes together.

Then add the ground beef, salt and pepper. Knead until well combined. Form into four to five oval patties about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate patties for thirty minutes.

After the patties come out of the fridge, melt a tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the patties about five minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Melt the remaining butter. Add the onions and cook until softened, about five minutes. Add the mushrooms, and cook until the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the tomato paste and flour, and cook until well browned. Slowly stir in the beef broth. Return the meat patties to the pan; cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for another 12-15 minutes.

While you're waiting, you should check to make sure that your kitchen cabinets are secure. You never know what, or who, you might find in them. (Isn't she cute?)

After checking your kitchen, check the steaks. I like to serve mine with mashed potatoes (real, not instant) and a green salad. Noodles also make a great accompaniment. Enjoy.

P.S. For a little extra reading, you should look up the Wikipedia article on James Salisbury, creator of the Salisbury steak. Apparently, he thought the steak would make a good meal three times a day.