The equally exciting and challenging thing about the Mission Possible cooking project is that it really pushes me outside of my comfort zone. I don't consider myself to be a slouch in the kitchen; I was raised around hard-working, resilient women who knew how to make the most of their ingredients (and budgets) and whip up satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs meals. Still, while some of my signature dinners continue to get better and better, there are certain dishes and cooking techniques that I shy away from because they intimidate me. This culinary journey has forced me to put aside my insecurities and throw caution to the wind. My modest pantry has grown into an exotic collection of oils, spices, and seasonings, and I'm learning how to incorporate those same ingredients in other meals.
July's dinner menu wasn't as foreign and complex as this month's (August is Moroccan food!) will be, but it was still a challenge all the same. As I don't have a lot of experience preparing steak, I decided on Alice's (of Savory Sweet Life fame) Citrus Ginger Teriyaki Steak, which would be thinly sliced and served over the Pioneer Woman's Simple Sesame Noodles. I always worry about over-cooking meat, especially beef, so having to achieve a good pan sear, as well as prepare noodles and an ever-thickening sauce would be good practice in timing and kitchen management.
I got the time-consuming task of chopping vegetables done first and tossed a simple salad while the meat was marinating.
Next, I boiled water for the noodles and put the remaining marinade on to simmer, so it could thicken into a glaze. Then it was time to sear the meat! I put some oil in the skillet and let it get insanely hot before dropping in two of the steaks.
I wanted the meat to be a bit pinkish at the center, so it wasn't long before all four pieces were finished and ready to be sliced up. Cue more slapping of KC's hands as he kept stealing pieces from off of the plate...
The meal was flavorful and delicious, and I really enjoyed the combination of tangy teriyaki over the more mellow sesame noodles. Definitely recipes to hang onto and try again. Our dessert that night was another attempt at a fruit cheesecake and was adapted from a Pioneer Woman recipe. Sadly, there were no blackberries to be found at the time, so we substituted raspberries instead. Of the ones I've made so far, this cheesecake wasn't my favorite. I'm still figuring out KC's temperamental oven and getting the timing down when it comes to baking with it. But my sweet boyfriend happily devoured the leftovers, so I suppose it couldn't have been that bad...
All in all, July's dinner was a success! I'm looking forward to this month's menu, which I'll have to finalize soon, as the dinner party is next weekend-- eek! Stay tuned ;)
