TV Dinners

They Really Can't Be Beat!

(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)

"You unlock this door with the key to imagination. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance. You've just crossed over into the Twilight Zone." Yep... we're headed way back in time today to a simpler time. 

Ah... the TV Dinner. Nothing like it; tin foil filled with rubber meat and bland veggies. From pork chops, bad enchiladas, fried chicken and the beloved Salisbury steak; there was just nothing like it.

Like our boys ZZ Top sing - "TV dinners, there's nothing else to eat. TV dinners, they really can't be beat!" Well, maybe that's not exactly true. 

So, today we take a trip back to celebrate the TV dinner classic Salisbury steak. Don't worry, we kind of amped it up a bit. Then we threw in a tasty playlist with a classic retro cocktail. 

Pull up your TV tray, turn on Gilligan's Island and grab your cocktail.

The pots are on!

The Plate...

Salisbury Steak/Brown Mushroom Gravy

Ok, this is not your mama's Salisbury Steak. Very easy to make and yes I actually crave this old classic from time to time. Not the quarter inch thick tough as leather TV dinner style. We are talking a substantial portion of meat with an awesome mushroom gravy. 

Of course you probably need to whip up your favorite batch of mashed potatoes. (I like mine with a little roasted garlic mixed in... just saying'.)

What you need... 

1 1/2 lbs of 80/20 ground beef
2 tbsp canola oil
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp chilli powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Tabasco sauce
1 large egg
1/2 8 oz package sliced portobello mushrooms
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
14 oz beef broth

What you do...

Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 

Add the onion and saute about 5 minutes. 

Put 1/2 the onion in a large bowl and set aside the rest. 

Add beef, bread crumbs, cumin and chili powder to the onions.

Whisk together Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and egg then add to the meat.

Mix to combine everything well.

Form into patties. (4-5 patties)

Heat canola oil in skillet over medium-high heat. 

Cook the patties until they are browned ( about 5 minutes per side).

Remove the meat and pour off all but a little of the fat.

Put back on the heat and add the mushrooms cook for 5 minutes.

Add the additional onions you set aside earlier and add the flour cook for a couple minutes.

Now add the beef broth and bring to a boil.

Return the meat to the skillet and reduce to simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened.

Cook for about 10 minutes.  

The Playlist...

TV Dinners

Take a little trip down memory lane... Mashed potatoes, pork chops, peaches, fried chicken and yes even some enchiladas. They're all here along with a few surprises. And if your not old enough to remember all this stuff... well, good for you. 

So get up off your seat and "do the mashed potato" cause, according to Bruce, there's "57 channels (and nothin' on)." 

("The Playlist" runs on Spotify. Don't have Spotify?... Click here it's free )

The Bar...

Harvey Wallbanger

What you need...

2 oz Vodka

1 oz Galliano

4 oz Orange Juice

Orange slice and cherry for garnish

What you do...

Pour ice in a tall high-ball glass.

Pour in vodka and orange juice and stir.

Float Galliano on top.

Garnish with orange and cherry. 

Turn on Gunsmoke and enjoy. 

Gee Hon...

Dinner Was Just Swell. 

Please... Day Drink Responsibly 

& 

Keep On Cookin'!