Spring may be on the horizon but it’s not quite on our doorstep. So I’m still in comfort mode. And today’s Salisbury Meatball Orzo Skillet is my current favorite cozy indulgence. This recipe borrows its flavors from the American diner and TV dinner classic- Salisbury Steak. A meal that has been beloved by many for over a hundred years. Today, we’re going to take the storied steak and turn it into meatballs, introduce it to orzo, and marry the two in the dish’s classic mushroom onion gravy. It may be a simple recipe but it is beyond satisfying, so let’s make it!
Cranberry Marmalade Meatballs
When I was young my grandmother used to make sweet and sour meatballs. They were occasionally called BBQ meatballs but make no mistake they were exactly the same. The meatballs luxuriated in a sweet and tangy sauce brought to you by the condiment aisle of your local grocery store. A heady concoction of grape jelly, Heinz chili sauce, and sometimes a couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce. I think it was a party food hangover from the 70s. And naturally, because they were loaded with sodium and sugar – I loved them. Fast forward to today and my palette is a little less tolerant of copious amounts of sodium and sugar but my heart still wants those meatballs. Today’s Cranberry Marmalade Meatballs are my solution to this conundrum.
Hanger Steak Salad with Chimichurri White Beans
During the summer months, I lose my interest in food. I mean, not entirely. If that were the case I would have a full-blown identity crisis. But my appetite does tend to recede. It’s the humidity. My body rejects it. But as the old saying goes “you gotta eat”, so I choose to exist on salads. And while the word “salad” conjures images deprivation, putting the word “steak” in front of it totally changes the picture. Suddenly the meal sounds refreshing but decadent, cooling but satisfying – the opposite of austere. And today’s Hanger Steak Salad with Chimichurri White Beans definitely fits that description. This salad features a marinated, grilled hanger steak sliced and served on a bed of white beans soaked in a tangy and fiery Chimichurri dressing. This is such a good one, so let’s make it!
Molasses Braised Short Ribs with Creamy White Beans
Valentine’s Day is almost here and this year it’s a Tuesday. Yeah, not the most romantic of days but hey, at least it’s a step up from Monday. So how does one make a Tuesday feel special? Simple, short ribs. Tender Molasses Braised Short Ribs to be exact. With the help of a solid bottle of wine, and of course, excellent company you’ll be serving up midweek romance and a satisfying meal. This recipe features melt-in-your-mouth short ribs braised in a heady concoction of molasses, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar served over a bed of creamy brined white beans. So much better than the usual candy and flowers, right?! So let’s make it!