steak & caramelized onion paninis

so, i have to say, i'm not a huge fan of going out to eat. [hence the meal plans.]

1. [not to pat myself on the back, but] i can totally make 99% of meals we eat out, in our own kitchen.

[honestly i think anyone can! as long as you can follow a recipe, you're half way to becoming a chef.]

2. i can do #1 for a fraction of the cost we would pay out.

3. it's way more comfortable at home.

thursday night, major barber & i went out to eat with a couple of good friends & a few guys from out of town.

leaving the men up to picking the location, they chose a steak house.

[disclaimer: i hope everyone appreciates my candor...i wouldn't normally discuss dollar amounts like this, but i just want to break it down now on the reals.]

our bill [including tip & a couple drinks for hubs] was $125!!

i don't know about you, but that's a week of groceries in our house.

after two loaves of bread & butter, i took 3 bites of my HUGE ny strip steak entree, & i was full.

SO...that leads me to...

[actually, last night...AND breakfast today!]

steak & caramelized onion paninis

2 slices fresh italian bread

2 slices sharp white cheddar

1/4 c caramelized onions

2 oz leftover steak, thinly sliced

2 oz butter, softened

butter outside of bread. inside, layer cheese, steak, onions, cheese. [i always do a top & bottom layer of cheese in my paninis, because it helps hold everything in.]

cook in a panini press, or in a frying pan over medium heat,  until golden brown.

after dinner, there was STILL leftover steak!! benjamin was positive it was for him, so he sat patiently waiting. [he never got it.] instead, i cut it into a small dice &, along with the leftover onions, saved it for a saturday morning breakfast scramble...& made 1 restaurant meal into 3.