Living Life High On The Hog This May Beef Month

This past weekend, Mother's Day weekend, my husband and I, assisted by a crew of family and friends, moved all of our belongings out of the home we've lived in for the last 7 years.  We're moving houses to be closer to his work. Right now he's putting in about 3 hours of drive time every single day.  What a waste of time, right?  Fortunately for me, this move will keep my 40-minute drive to the store the same.

Although we've packed three trailer loads and moved out- our new-to-us home won't be ready for us to take possession of until the end of the month [May Beef Month].  So in the meantime, we're staying in town with my husband's parents.  Notice I didn't say "in-laws".

I personally feel like "in-laws" has a negative connotation- which is the exact opposite of what Payne's parents mean to me.  You see, Payne's parents lived with us for a couple months while their new home was being built.  I've told many of you those few months were the best months of my life.  I could list all of the wonderful things that his parents do for us here, but you'd quickly get bored of my praises for people you probably don't know. Let me just make the balloon statement that they are the most helpful and caring in-laws you'll ever meet. 

It feels a little weird to use this saying to describe this May Beef Month, but trust me when I say I'm going to be 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙜 again this month.  I'm not sure why this saying popped into my head this morning while writing this post, but I can't get it out of my head.  And as much as I've tried- I can't come up with anything catchy about beef.  Maybe I've got pork on the brain because we enjoyed thick cut Iowa Pork Chops for Mother's Day dinner last night.  Anyhow- It's safe to say we'll continue to eat all kinds of meat and dairy in support of farmers no matter what month it is.

In celebration of May Beef Month, and us living life high on the hog this month, I'm going to share one of Payne's mom's favorite beef recipes.  I'd love for you to save her recipe, make it one night this month, and share a picture and tag us @brokerleather.  I'll be watching for you in celebrating May Beef Month along with us.  Don't forget to thank the farmers, ranchers, and in-laws that are doing all they can do to keep you fed and clothed.

EASY BEEF STROGANOFF

by Juliana G. Huiskamp

May is Beef Month! There are so many delicious meals with beef and our family loves a juicy hamburger right off the grill, the smell of a pot roast that has been simmering all day when we walk in the door after a long day at school and work, and (especially) prime rib to celebrate a holiday or a bunch of good friends. I'm going to share a simple recipe that is easy to make and versatile...beef stroganoff. One of the things I like about this recipe is that you can use a less expensive cut--sirloin tip or tri-tip--and it still tastes delicious because it cooks until the meat is tender. If you prefer (or you just won a little lottery prize) you can use top sirloin filet or steak. You can also choose what you serve the stroganoff over. As you see in the stove-top picture, this meal included rice and pasta because tastes vary in our household! Serve with any green vegetable (fresh, steamed green beans with a little butter and dill here), and a roll or french bread if you wish and you've got a meal!

EASY BEEF STROGANOFF RECIPE (Serves 4)

1.5 pounds sirloin tip or sirloin steak

1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

4 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

3 cups beef broth (can use canned or boxed broth or bouillon cubes or powder dissolved in 3c water)

8 oz. fresh mushrooms (white or baby portabella), sliced

8 oz. sour cream

Slice beef into one-inch cubes, toss with flour, salt and pepper. Melt butter in a large skillet or dutch oven, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add floured beef and brown on all sides. Add mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add beef broth, bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer until the beef chunks are tender (45 to 60 minutes). Stir in sour cream, bring to a low boil then simmer for about 5 minutes. Serve over rice or pasta.

𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟-𝑖𝑛-𝑙𝑎𝑤, 𝐽𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑎 𝐺. 𝐻𝑢𝑖𝑠𝑘𝑎𝑚𝑝.

Don't forget to share your beef stroganoff picture with us on social media.  Tag @brokerleather!

If you're not quite ready to cook...

But you want to shop some cool beef byproducts that I personally LOVE, click here.