There may not be any scientific proof; but, it may be possible that the aroma of a home-cooked meal brings out the kind side in people. A simple smothered steak recently had an interesting affect on a workman who was so busy that he could not finish a job at our home. He came inside to tell me of his inability to finish his task with a list of reasons, as he noted, “Gee, whatever you are cooking, really smells good!” I gave him some smothered steak and sent him on his very busy way. To my surprise, the next day he returned the container (which I never expected to see again) and finished up the work at no extra charge. Was it the home-cooked wholesomeness that changed his mind? I think so. Sometimes it works better than a hug. © Kelly McBride Loft
Swiss-Style Smothered Steak
Prepare a thick cream soup such as cream of mushroom by mixing at least a 1/2 cup of sherry into the soup with a generous dash of cracked pepper. Pour the soup into a large Dutch oven. Add pre-cooked carrots (for more tenderness) and a whole green pepper, cleared of its seeds. Press the vegetables into the soup so that all are covered. For the steak, purchase thin cubed steak. Dust it with flour and brown in a skillet for just a few minutes on both sides. The cooking process of the steak will be finished by baking the steak with the cream soup. Press the seared steak into the soup. Next, add chunks of peeled potatoes. Cover the Dutch oven and bake the dish for at least 2 hours at 400°F. Let the home-baked aromas begin! © Kelly McBride Loft