a perfectly ordinary saturday

If you were to ask me what my perfectly ordinary Saturday looks like, I'd tell you it looks a lot like March 30, 2013.

It starts early, but only after I cringe at my alarm and drag myself out of bed. (I will never pretend to be a morning person.)

A morning run, in gorgeous spring weather.

A hot shower and leisurely morning.

An Easter weekend pedicure.

An afternoon nap, with the rain pattering outside my window.

Some time in the kitchen, with two successful new recipes on the books.

Yes, that is one fine Saturday.

Now. These recipes. Such a fun throwback to old classics, compliments of Cooking Light.

Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy
Serves 4

1 lb. ground sirloin
salt and pepper
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1 medium sweet onion, sliced vertically
2 tsp. all-purpose flour
1 c. low sodium beef broth

1. Divide beef into four equal portions, and shape into patties. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tsp. oil in a skillet over medium high heat, and swirl to coat. Add beef patties to pan, and cook about 3 minutes on each side, or until browned. Remove from pan. * Resist the urge to fidget with the burgers until you flip them after 3 minutes. Leaving them to do their thing will give you a nice seared edge.


2. Add remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the pan. Saute onions for about 3 minutes, or until tender and brown. Sprinkle onions with flour, and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add stock and season with salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Return hamburgers to pan, and reduce heat to medium. Partially cover, and cook 5 minutes, until gravy slightly thickens.

I ate this goodness with some roasted green beans and mushrooms, which was a variation on another Cooking Light recipe in last month's issue. You could use any green side, though, to round out the meal.

Three cheers for a perfectly ordinary Saturday. And better?

Sunday's coming. And that is not ordinary.