Dinner for Busy Peoples

By Kaelyn Angelfoot

Sorry all my loyal fans, but I had to take some time out of the average crafty post to talk about our new favorite recipe, Steak-Sort-of-Panini. That is to say, its a toasted sandwich inspired by a steak panini you can't get at Panera anymore.

Slice two small onions and several mushrooms thinly. Finely mince two garlic cloves. Melt 4 Tbsp butter in fry pan. Saute garlic and onions, and mushrooms in butter over medium-low heat until caramelized. This caramelization takes a very long time (15 - 20 minutes). Be careful not to burn the onions and garlic.

When veggies are caramelized, remove from pan and place on paper towels to drain. Raise heat to medium. Cook two four-ounce top sirloin steaks to desired doneness, turning once.

I undercook the steak a little, since you're going to be toasting the sandwich later and this will cook the steak more. While steak is cooking, cut a french demi-baguette in half. Slice longways. On each half, spread 2 Tbsp of spreadable garlic and herb cheese. (Boursin or Rondele work great.) Split the onion mixture between the baguette halves.

When steak is done, slice thinly and layer on the baguette. Pop in toaster oven, set to toast, for 2-4 minutes, until heated through. Remove from toaster oven, make sandwiches, and enjoy!

Simple, fast, easy, and deliciously tasty! I call is Steak-Sort-of-Panini because its not technically a panini. I wanted to purchase a panini press, but it turns out they are horrifically expensive. So, I came up with a toaster oven alternative that I don't plan on changing, even if I ever get a panini press.

Mmmm... tasty

This recipe makes two large sandwiches, so you could easily stretch it just a little and make enough food for four by using two six-ounce steaks and a a little extra on the veggies.