Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Philly Cheesesteaks

I did something crazy.

Insane.

I enrolled back into college at the age of thirty-four to start working toward my PhD in food science.

Why didn’t I do this earlier? Because I have a phobia. A horrible fear of big math, and to get into this program I have to face this dastardly subject.

Starting about seven years ago, I watched the university catalog come and go. I noticed when the school of food science merged with the neighboring school to expand their program. I noticed four years ago when they began offering an undergraduate degree in wine.

Then two days ago, I noticed that first class of wine students will be graduating next month.

Lastly, I noticed I let all this time pass by and allowed fear to stop me from accomplishing my dreams over a few scary math classes.

Not anymore, I’ve signed up. I’m going to finish those crazy classes and apply to the PhD program. It might take while, but in the meantime I’ll take every single food class on the list. Food processing, cheese making, wine classes, nutrition courses and on and on.

Or, I’ll fail out of math miserably but learn a lot of foodstuff. OK, I’m NOT going to think about that! I can do this!

I hope.

Philly Cheesesteaks
Printer Version
So easy! Why don’t I make these more often?


3 to 4 hoagie rolls
1 white onion, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 pound good quality deli roast beef, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sliced provolone cheese or warmed Cheese Whiz
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper
Mayonnaise

1. Heat oil in a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and season with salt and pepper. Cook until vegetable soften and start to brown. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. Heat another tablespoon of oil in the skillet. Add the chopped deli meat and cook until no longer pink. Add the peppers and onions back in and toss to warm through.

3. Smear mayonnaise on the hoagie rolls. Place a slice of provolone on the side if using. Spoon in the hot beef mixture. Smear with Cheese Whiz if using.

Recipe and photograph by Laura Flowers.


29 comments:

Betty @ scrambled hen fruit said...

You can do it! I'm sorry that somewhere, somehow, someone has made you afraid of math. It's really fun if it's taught the right way! I'm so glad you've decided to do this- it sounds like an awesome program. Best of luck! That Philly Cheese Steak is making me wish I made them more often too- it looks great!

The Cooking Photographer said...

Betty thanks!

Velva said...

Cheers to you!!! The older I get, I realize that most things are not nearly as bad as we envision them...And our fears, are mostly unfounded. You are going to do great! You will take each challenge as it comes up.

Velva

Joyti said...

Haha, I went back to school myself...in my late 20's....for a law degree. So I'm prepping for it now. I like to read that others are doing it too.
The cheesesteaks looks delicious.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Brava to you for making that decision. The first step - deciding - is the hardest, but you'll make it. I look forward to seeing more posts on what you learn.

Patricia @ ButterYum said...

Wow, that's big news! So you'll eventually be Dr. Laura (tee-hee).

Seriously, I'm so happy that you've decided to go for it!!

Great photo, but where's the cheese? :)

ann@Apples and Twinkies said...

I love Philly Cheesesteak. This looks great. Congratulations on getting back to school. Good for you!

The Cooking Photographer said...

Oh the side Patricia. It's white and sticking up there. I should have take the Cheese Whiz pic, but I wanted to show the meat.

Yeah, I'm lame.

L

Chelsea said...

That is so fantastic of you! Congratulations! I have looked at studying food science as well. I can't wait to hear more about your journey through the program!

And, as always, the recipe looks fantastic! Philly cheesesteaks are another thing on my list that I need to make!

Fresh Local and Best said...

I'm really excited for you! Tackling fears and more importantly getting what you want out of life are some of the biggest hurdles we must overcome. It's inspiring to see you take this step.

natasha {schue love} said...

Congrats on going back for your PHD! That is awesome...and so are these sandwiches!

Sue said...

Woo Hoo, you can do it Laura! My daughter had the same math phobia too, and now she's even teaching math, though it's only to 4th graders:) You didn't wait too long, you're still a "babe in the woods" in my book!

notyet100 said...

its never too late to learn ,hppy for u

Caroline said...

Good luck! It was always english classes/writing that scared me! You'll do great - and kudos for taking the 'what-if' out of life. You never get anything without going for it. I'm leaning that, too. Best wishes on your new journey!

Ryan said...

I'm so jealous! And that is SO exciting!! :) I'm sure you'll do fabulously! I'm debating taking culinary classes soon but I'm also too scared so I haven't yet.
Keep us updated on how it goes, I'm sure it will be awesome! :)

Amee said...

Congratulations! This is HUGE! good for you. don't worry about "big math". I'm an engineer and my dad is an engineer and he said "just get through school and then sell your books for cash" You'll never need to use "big math" in life ever...unless you love it and choose a job that requires it. Just pass math and have fun with the rest! :) Thanks for sharing your personal anecdotes!

VegeCooking Club said...

My hubby would LOVE these!

Susi's Kochen und Backen said...

Congratulations on deciding going back to college! Those cheese-steaks look fabulous and make me miss living on the East Coast :o)

Krysta said...

Way to go! Congratulations!!!

Joanne said...

LAURA!!! I am SOOOO excited for you! Like, jumping up and down! And if you need ANY math help...PLEASE let me know. I didn't go to MIT and take a whole year of calculus and differential equations for nothing!

In return, you can provide me with cheesesteaks. Sound like a deal?

The Cooking Photographer said...

Joanne you are crazy! But smart. And you can count on some questions coming your way in about a year when I get to the worst of it.

Kimberley said...

Wow, that is so exciting! I can't wait to hear all about your adventures.

The Atwoods said...

Congrats Laura!!! This is so exciting! And ps--the cheesesteaks look delicious!!

Jess @ Sugar High said...

That's awesome you decided to go to school! Good luck with it all!
Cheesesteak looks great, way better than the greasy mess they serve up around here!

Unknown said...

My husband would probably bow to me if made that. It looks wonderful.

Christina said...

How fun, I wish my school offered a program like that. I too went back to school and am currently taking the semester off to recover from a horrific math class. Best of luck!

Veronica said...

Rora, that is so exciting!! Omgoats. Wow. You go, girl. I know you can do it. I'm so amazed and inspired by you!

softhef said...

um...YUM! and i made an amazing discovery with math. when i studied...i passed. :)

chopinandmysaucepan said...

Love it that you classify these hunger busters as man food! Great recipes!

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