resolved to cook

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, and I can't say I put much thought into making any this year.  But when I decided the day after New Year's to pull out my Bunco recipe book (thanks, Tina!) and give something new a try, I decided it was as good a resolution as any.  And so, I have now resolved to cook an entire meal, from scratch, at least once a week.

I know for many of you this probably sounds absurd...isn't a wife and mother of two already cooking dinner for her family every night?  But for those who know me well, you know this is a major undertaking for me.  Typically, if it doesn't come from a box, bag or restaurant, you won't find it in my kitchen (unless Scott is cooking!).  I've never wanted to learn to cook...it's just not something I have any desire to do...but I do feel like I need to put some effort into it for my family's sake.

For my first meal, I made my friend Shauna's "Steak San Marco," which is actually very easy and also delicious.  I bought the wrong kind of meat, but it still turned out pretty well, and I now feel confident that I can make it even better next time.

One week down, fifty one to go!!  Wish me luck.

Steak San Marco

2 pounds thin cut sirloin or round steak

(don't buy stew meat...it's round steak but the pieces are not thin enough and not as tender)

1 packet onion soup mix

1 can peeled, diced tomatoes

1 tsp oregano

2 tbsp oil

2 tbsp wine vinegar

1 garlic clove (I used equivalent of minced garlic from jar)

pepper

Cut meat into pieces (2 in x 3 in or so).  Put meat in large skillet or crock pot.  Sprinkle soup mix over meat; add tomatoes and sprinkle with oregano, pepper, and garlic.  Coat with oil and vinegar.  Simmer, covered , for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender.  Serve over rice.