It’s okay, you can judge me for my boots, but I was warm-ish, so I’ll take the criticism.
Philly Philly
This past weekend was jam packed with food, friends, and fitness. Sounds like a normal weekend for me, I know. The major differences were that 1.the fitness was a competition instead of just a workout and 2.the food was for a party instead of just for my own plate. So, the steaks (errr, stakes) were high.
After much back and forth (and laughing at each other, as per usual) our friends decided we’d gather at my house for Sunday’s Super Bowl. I never turn down an opportunity to cook for others. It’s my favorite activity. I may make a mess in the process but there is something relaxing and rewarding in the whole process. There is always the worry that you will make food that people hate, but luckily I picked friends who will eat almost anything.
I do NOT recommend last minute shopping as your options tend to be limited and you tend to buy more than you need. However, I made a list and stuck to it as best I could…
What’s For Dinner?
With being out of town on Saturday and being tasked with Super Bowl less than 2 weeks beforehand, I had little to no plan. I figured I’d use the car rides to and from the competition to pester my friends (and Pinterest) for ideas. We had a list of ridiculous items that didn’t go together at all. Almost had a taco bar, but my friend’s party in 2 weeks is going to have that, so I thought it best we change it up.
I hemmed and hawed, and fell asleep on the couch that night while scrolling through Pinterest. In the process, I ordered a hair dryer and pair of pants but had NO idea what to make. I mean, honestly, the internet is a black hole. A hairdryer?!!? Well, to be fair mine will explode any day, I’m convinced, since it is from high school.
I digress. I woke up the next morning and thought, why not make it a semi-Philadelphia themed event? Afterall I was raised a Philly fan (born there too) and with Philly cheesesteaks and Philadelphia cream cheese on the menu, what could go wrong?
To the store I went, with a list in hand and ready to fight off the crowds. Luckily I was the only one awake and at the store before 8am on Sunday morning, so it was pretty dang easy.
Apparently our new TV wasnt big enough so friends brough over a projector that made for a 150″ TV (yes, my nerdy friends measured)
Super Bowl Party
I decided on a wide array of foods while on my morning walk with Bode. Yes, it was THAT last minute. I decided Philly cheesesteaks would be the main event and then from the random foods I had inside my head and found on Pinterest, the menu evolved.
The menu I decided on (in the hopes I could cook it all up in 5 hours):
My friends also brought food and drinks to add to the festivities, which included:
Buffalo & BBQ Instant Pot Chicken Wings
Buffalo Chicken Dip made by Chef @ The Healing Meals (there was also a 2nd buffalo chicken dip brought later by other friends, because you can NEVER have enough)
Super Bowl “Sundae” Bar
Chocolate chip cookies….still unsure if these were homemade or not…
Philly {Philly} Cheesesteak
Now for what you came here for, the Philly Cheesesteak. Being from Philly you would think I grew up eating cheesesteaks on the regular, but we really didn’t. It probably was because I was so picky, but I should’ve had a more open mind, these are DELICIOUS.
If you ask a Philly native, they are VERY particular about how they order and what they put on their cheesesteak. So, I apologize to any of those Philadelphia natives if this is not EXACT, it is just my last minute success of a recipe that I will be making for many years to come.
I made an assembly station at the party. A basket of rolls, with a cutting board (for freshly cut bread), the steak + extra peppers & onions. Then there was provolone cheese and a toaster or microwave if anyone wanted the bread toasted and cheese extra melty. It was a huge hit. Some (non-Philly natives) even combined other aspects of the menu with their cheesesteak. I encourage creativity.
Now, go ahead, enjoy your own Philly Cheesesteak any day of the week. Fly Eagles Fly!
Pro tip: double this recipe for a crowd! Depending on the size of your pressure/slow cooker you may need to up the time as well. I made 4lbs of beef and did 12 minutes in the pressure cooker and it worked great.
Choose Saute function and add oil to pot. Add in peppers & onions and saute for 3-5 minutes, until onion starts to caramelize.
Cancel saute function, add in steak, worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt & pepper, stir to combine.
Close lid (make sure vent is closed) and choose meat function for 8 minutes.
Once 8 minutes is up allow to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then open vent to release any pressure leftover.
Serve with provolone cheese, extra peppers & onions and bread of choice.
Notes
For Slow Cooker:
Brown peppers and onions in oil either in a skillet on the stovetop or in slow cooker. Once done, add in the rest of the ingredients and cook on high for 4-6 hours.
For Stovetop:
In a large skillet, saute peppers & onions over medium heat in the oil until onion starts to caramelize. Remove peppers/onions from pan, set aside and add in steak. Cook to preferred doneness then add back in peppers & onions, toss with worcestersire sauce & spices.
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