Salisbury Steak... thank you Paula Deen...

I must tell you I am such a creature of habit in most things that I do in life. That goes for most things in my life, but mostly food. Be it a restaurant or a menu... favorites. If I like it... I will return to it again and again. I am trying to break out of the square and try new things. Now that is not to say I am not adventurous, as I am... but hard to break old habits. I have eaten alligator, and escargot is one of my favorites... and I feel brave for trying such items, which many would never think of trying. I have tried dishes from my international students that sounded so unappealing to me, but braved it out. For example... in Africa, my international son Bethwel would eat spinach and peanut butter. Something that I personally do not care for, but the flat bread he would make... so very good. I will leave the peanut butter and the spinach for the boys who simply love it.

One thing I love is comfort food. Perhaps too much. Chicken and dumplings, Chicken and noodles... beef stroganoff, home made garlic bread... broccoli chicken casserole... and one of my favorites is salisbury steak. Now I never had this in my home growing up, so I am not sure when and where that entered my list of comfort foods... but it is there for sure.

Another thing in life I enjoy is reading cookbooks... I love to get ideas from them. I love to see what other people find appealing when it comes to eating. That has now expanded to blogs... man isn't life grand. I spend far too much time doing this, yet it is enjoyable. I really really love Paula Deen. I get her magazine and check each one of the recipes out seeing which ones are going on my bucket list. I should really just sign up for a subscription where it is so much cheaper... don'tcha think? Anyhow... I ran across a recipe in her magazine for none other than salisbury steak. I had to try it. Pretty staple items other than beef broth and french onion soup. So last night I gave it a whirl. It was very much loved by my daughter and myself. She even said I was the best cooker chef she knows... in an innocent five year old voice.

So, this recipe comes from Paula Deen, and me being the creature of habit that I am... I am sure I am going to make it again and again. Today... I am going to run some over to my son. He will love it. He doesn't get home cooking too much. Most of what they prepare is out of a box. So this is going to be a treat for him as well.

Sooooo... Salisubury Steak....

2 lbs ground beef
1/2 c dry bread crumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbls. Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 tsp pepper (I added more, we love pepper)
1/4 tsp salt
1 8oz pkg sliced baby bella mushrooms
2 Tbls all purpose flour
1 10 1/2 oz can french onion soup
1 10 1/2 oz can beef consomme

In bowl combine first seven ingredients. Mix until throughly combined. Form meat mixture into six patties. Cook the patties in prepared pan and brown about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. remove from pan. Reserve 2 Tbls. drippings. Now add the baby bellas and sautee until just tender. I also added two onions as we love onions... it turned out nicely.

Now add the flour and the onion soup. Cook for two minutes stirring constantly. Now stir in consomme. (I didn't have any so I used beef broth and it turned out fine).

Return patties to the skillet and bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmering uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes or until the patties are cooked through and sauce is thickened. Serve immediately.

This is a great recipe that I hope you enjoy.