Tender Flank Steak Without Marinating!

Ok, so let's face it, steak is great, but some steaks are more naturally tender than others.  Flank steak can be downright "chewy" if it isn't tenderized and marinated in advance.  If you're like me, you have a hard time planning tomorrow's menu a day in advance, and more likely than not, the flank steak is still half-frozen in it's packaging.  ...And Marinating?!?!  Uh, whoops....

So, here is a great recipe that doesn't require tenderizing or hours of marinating, because the steak marinates while it cooks!

This recipe is made for two adults and two children to enjoy, but you can add or subtract any amount you want, from any of the ingredients.  One of my favorite things about slowcooking is it's versatility!

In a small or medium slowcooker combine:

2-3 Flank Steaks
1  8oz can unsalted tomato sauce
1  15oz can Pork N' Beans
1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (Spam Alert: I love KC MasterPiece Original)
1/2 medium onion
1/2 tsp salt

Cover and Cook 6-8 hours on Low setting

That's it!  Add your favorite ingredients, or take out any ingredients you don't like.  It's easy, cheap (steak is expensive enough without having to deal with the cost of dressing it up!), and takes about 3 minutes to put together.

About 30-45 minutes before supper, chop up and boil some Yukon Gold Potatoes (again, my favorite!), mash with a dash of milk and butter, and serve alongside steak with a lot of sauce.  Don't forget some peas or a cold fresh salad, and an ice-cold beverage of your choice!  And have your perfect summer steak without the work that usually goes into making the perfect steak!

Sick Day Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Like most people, I love chicken noodle soup when I'm sick.  But I don't like the condensed chicken noodle soups, and I always forget to pick up the non-condensed soups when I'm at the grocery store, because I rarely go grocery shopping when I'm sick.  So, here is a quick and easy solution.  It takes 30 minutes or less to prepare, and can be slowcooked on high or low settings, depending on when you are ready to have some.

Ingredients:

3-4 Stalks Celery, chopped
2-3 large Carrots, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced (garlic is Nature's immune booster, so this is essential in my soup)
1/2 small onion, chopped fine
2 halves boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
2-3 cups chicken stock mixed with 2-3 cups water to make a total of 5 cups liquid
poultry seasoning, or herbs to taste.
1-2 packs of Ramen noodles, with or without seasoning, whichever you prefer

combine everything in a medium or large slowcooker, cover and cook on low 6-8 hours, or high 3-4 hours.

It really is comfort food when you're sick; and the smell of simmering chicken noodle soup is soothing, too.  Don't forget to drink some orange juice, for a Vitamin C boost, and get plenty of rest.  If you have an upset stomach, mint tea is a good way to calm the stomach muscles.

Today, my household is feeling under the weather, and already the smell of my homemade chicken noodle soup is making my mouth water.