Eclair Cake

Eclair Cake

from The Recipe Critic

Crust:

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter

1 c. flour

1 c. water

1/4 t. salt

1 T. sugar

4 eggs

Filling:

1 (8 oz.) pkg cream cheese, softened

2 small packages vanilla or chocolate instant pudding

3 c. milk

8 oz. Cool Whip 

chocolate syrup for drizzling on top (optional)

strawberry or banana slices to garnish on top (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On low heat in a medium saucepan, melt butter on low.  Add water and bring to a boil. Turn off burner and add flour, salt, sugar and mix into a soft ball.  Let cool 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time and whisk until incorporated.  Spray a jelly rol pan or a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray. Spread the mixture out in the pan. If using a 9x13 pan, slightly bring the mixture up on the sides. Bake for 25-30 minutes.  The crust will bubble up on the edges and will turn slightly brown. Let it cool completely.

For the filling, in a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer and bowl) mix 1 cup of milk with the cream cheese and mix until creamy.  Add pudding mix and the rest of the milk and mix well together until creamy. Spread over the cooled crust. Spread the Cool Whip on top of the filling mixture.  Top with fruit and chocolate syrup if desired.

Steak Sandwiches

Steak Sandwiches

serves 4

slightly adapted from Kelsey Nixon

1 T. butter

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

8 oz. mushrooms, sliced (optional)

1/4 c. balsamic vinegar

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 pkg (1 lb.) cooked beef roast (from Trader Joe's) or fully cooked sous vide sliced beef sirloin (from Costco)

4 ciabatta rolls (can sub baguette)

1 pkg Boursin garlic and herb cheese

microgreens or arugula (optional)

Melt butter in a skillet and add sliced onion.  Sauté over medium until golden brown and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes, adding 1 teaspoon of water every few minutes and stirring occasionally.  If using mushrooms, remove onions from pan and set aside.  Sauté mushrooms in 1 T. butter until soft, season with salt and pepper to taste.  Add onions back to the skillet.  Stir in balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes and add sliced roast, including all juices from the package. Heat through, about 5 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper as needed.  

Slice ciabatta rolls and spray or brush lightly with olive oil on the inside.  Heat open faced in 400 degree oven for 4-5 minutes. Remove from oven and spread with a generous layer of Boursin cheese. Add steak and onion mixture, along with greens if using.