Barn Food

Fair season is upon us! We are looking forward to eating all the fried foods ever imagined, huge ice cream cones and the occasional gyro. (Read this article from The Dallas Observer to read about other interesting fair foods.) But, at some point our stomach are going to be upset and our wallets are going to be empty.

Crazy chips, another delicious fair specialty. Photo courtesy of The Dallas Observer.

Because we all at FMG have been there, we decided to share an easy recipe that can be made in the barn with minimal mess and hardly any preparation.

Mine (Robin’s) favorite food is an Italian Beef Sandwich, a Chicagoland area specialty. It is delicious! And you won’t regret eating a few of these on a hot summer day or night.

(Thanks to Mel’s Kitchen Cafe for posting the recipe!)

Photo courtesy of Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 pounds chuck roast
Directions
  1. In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine water and beef broth with salt, ground black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, garlic powder, and bay leaves. Whisk to combine.
  2. Place roast in slow cooker and pour seasoning mixture over the meat. Cover, and cook on low for 9-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. When done, remove bay leaf, and shred meat with a fork (keep the shredded meat in the slow cooker with the juices). Serve on crusty rolls with cheese, if desired.

Our tips –

To make this recipe easier for show travel thaw the roast ahead of time and leave in the cooler, until you’re ready to put it in the crock pot. Mix the water, beef broth, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, onion salt, parsley, garlic powder and bay leaves ahead of time, and place in a bowl with a lid. Shake well before pouring over the roast in the crock pot. Make sure you pack two forks for shredding, tongs for serving and bring pre-sliced rolls and plates/napkins to make this an even easier meal to enjoy with your family! If you’re feeling wild, dip the sandwich in the warm au jus for a little treat.

We love easy, delicious meals. Try this one out soon!