homemade steak night, Italian style

Steak, sausage, marinated peppers and artichokes with stuffed cheese

Michele's dad Gennaro was inspired by the huge steaks we have been seeing at the Texas grocery stores. So he broiled some steak up, made two sides: marinated peppers and artichokes with stuffed cheese.

The interesting thing about the steak is that there was absolutely no seasoning or salt that went on the steak before he popped it into the oven. Italians, especially traditional ones, really enjoy their meats with no extra flavoring or seasoning, so the meat itself really is the star of the dish. When I saw him pop the steak to broil with no seasoning, we asked why didn't he rub in any salt or pepper? His reply was that was the American way of cooking... =p

Marinated pepper mix:

ingredients:

red, yellow and orange peppers

salt

parsley, chopped

garlic, cut into halves

olive oil

Preparation:

Lay the peppers onto a baking tray, and roast them in the oven, turning them occasionally.

Remove from oven and when the peppers are cooled, gently peel the burnt skin, and slice the peppers into strips.

In a bowl, top the peppers with parsley, garlic, olive oil and salt. Stir together and let the peppers sit for a couple of hours. Best even overnight in the fridge. The peppers become so sweet and tasty! I loved the peppers. I will have to make them some time on my own....

Carciofi Ripieni (Stuffed Artichokes)

Wash the artichokes and allow to dry upside down to drain. Cut the stems straight across, leaving a level base so the artichokes will stand upright.
Remove the tough outer leaves at the base and cut about 1/2" off the tips of the remaining leaves.
With a sharp knife, slice the top of the artichokes straight across, taking off about 1".
Tap them firmly on a hard surface to force the center leaves slightly open.
Fill the artichokes with good cheese and garlic, placing some in the center and tucking some between the spread leaves. Close the leaves gently and arrange the artichokes closely together in a pot

Pour olive oil over the artichokes, season with salt and pepper. Heat and stir occasionally for 30 - 40 minutes and let it sit. The artichokes should be soft.

Our dinner spread!