I taught a 16 year old to make a really nice meal, in his kitchen, for his family, on the cheap, with no cast iron, one knife that I had to hone on the back of another steel knife, and an electric stove I'd never cooked on. And it was easy. He made pita pocket sandwiches that everyone in the house was amazed with. It was a little elegant, and very unique for the household. Here's what I did, and you can do as well, without the perfect equipment. But first, get her permission to use the kitchen. The only thing you will cook is sirloin steak.
Ingredients:
1 half inch thick sirloin steak, well marbled from your meat market, or talk to the butcher at the grocery store and ask for help selecting one good sirloin.
*1 Haas avocado. It's ripe when there is slight give when gently pressing the fruit.
*1 package bean sprouts
*1 package pita pocket bread
*Mayonaise
*Salt
*Pepper
*Brown spicy mustard
Cooking oil
Heat two tbs. cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper onto the steak and stab it all over with a fork to tenderize. Place the steak into the hot pan and cook for two and a half minutes on each side. Remove the steak from the heat to a platter and turn off the stove. Prepare the pita pockets by slicing in half, and then splitting through the middle of the bread to form a pocket. Using your sharp knife, slice the avocado lengthwise all the way around. Twist the two halves to separate them from each other. Use a spoon to remove the avocado meat from the peeling. Slice into thin slices. Look at the steak. You will notice a natural grain in the meat. Clean the knife and place the cutting edge to cut sideways to the meat grain. Hold the knife an a 45 degree angle and slice into thin slices. Spread mayo and mustard inside the pita bread. Fill with slices of meat, avocado, and bean sprouts. You might want to substitute A1 sauce for the mustard, depending on her tastes. Serve with her favorite beverage, and slices of fresh fruit, or yogurt for desert. Cottage cheese would be a good side with this sandwich.
Yes, cast iron is ideal. But I have successfully made great steaks on worn out, warped, flimsy aluminum pans. Heat is heat. You just have to pay attention to what you are doing.
Seeeeeya; Goodweed of the North
WOW, I had no idea our members here were such romantics! I'm impressed with all of your ideas. I'd agree that it may not be a good idea to try cooking in her kitchen. I don't think I'd appreciate a house guest cooking for me as a surprise, and she just may feel the same. On the other hand, I always welcome help from house guests, but I think you should ask her first, if you really want to do this.
