What's for Dinner?

Don't know about you...but, I am not so fond of cooking when it is really hot outside.  I can't stand cooking over a hot stove.  So, I have 3 choices.  Convince Shorty to make his delightful BBQ, go out to eat, or cook in the oven!  Shorty's BBQ is to die for...but, sometimes a girl can't wait! 

I LOVE to make meals in the oven...skip the cook top.  So much less mess.  Easy clean up and not much fuss!   I also love things that can be made ahead...this can be made that morning, or even the night before.  Easy prep work!  

I made this the other night...was great.  Thought I would share it with you.  Don't have an exact recipe...so it is just estimates really.    

This recipe calls for butcher string...here is a funny story about how I got it.

I went to the store Father's Day morning to get the string...just ask the butcher...they can help you.   I happened to get an odd butcher that morning.  When I asked him for the string,  he wanted to know if I was going to tie up my husband.  I just looked at him funny...what a strange thing to ask someone on a Sunday morning.  I mean, another day it would have been ok....  Just kidding.... 

Shorty loves this recipie and it is easy.  That makes it good for me!  

Here we go...

Steak Roll Ups

1 1/2 lb flank steak

1/3 cup olive oil

2 TBS balsamic vinegar

2 garlic cloves minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 red bell pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

Butcher String

Remove the flank steak from package, wrap it in cling wrap or put it in a large zip lock.  BEAT it with a rolling pin.  Hit it HARD!  Take out your frustrations!   Beat it until it has flattened a bit and seems a little more tender.  

Mix the olive oil, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl.  Whisk them all together.  Place the meat in a dish, pour the marinade over the meat and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or so.

In the mean time, slice the bell pepper into thin strips and saute them in a medium pan with a little olive oil.  Until they have softened and have browned a little.  Set aside

Remove the meat from the fridge and the dish.  Place on a working surface...time to stuff the meat.

Spread the cheese on the surface of the meat.  Concentrate it towards the center keeping the cheese away from the edges.  Spread the cooked bell peppers over the cheese.  Then, a little salt and pepper.  

Take both hands and roll the meat up.  Make sure the grain of the meat is facing you long ways (hope that makes sense!) Use your fingers to make sure the cheese pepper mixture stays inside the meat.  Once you have it rolled as tight as you can, tie butcher string in the middle.  Secure the other parts of the meat with butcher string as well.  I usually end up with 5 ties.  

Place the meat on a roasting rack.  Put in a 400 degree oven for about 35 - 40 minutes.  It will still be a little pink.  Leave it in longer if you prefer well done.  Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before you slice it.  

When you slice it, you should have a pretty pinwheel!  It is so good.  I served mine with spinach and potatoes.  

Note, this is for 1 steak roll up.  I make one for 2 people.  I would suggest 2 for 4 or more people.  

 

Hope you try it!