French Dip Sandwiches & Friends

Tuesday started bright and early in the Miranda House... Hector had Bible study at Starbuck's with his community group guys and I just couldn't sleep past 5am. So I did some catching up on my TV shows.. Brothers & Sisters was calling my name.

Four (ok--maybe five) Pillsbury cinnamon rolls later I got up and started cleaning-for we had a dinner guest coming over that night! My best friend at work, Leslie Pate. We survived nursing school together and ended up working in the same hospital, same unit. And after discussing our jobs at length last night, we realized they have never put us as roommates in the same room.. hmmmm.. Do they think we'd be trouble together, or what?? :)

And at 10am Hector and I started making dinner. :)

French Dip Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1 2.5-3lb beef roast
2 T olive oil
salt and pepper
2 1-oz packets of dry onion soup mix
2 cans beef broth
2 cups water
6-8 large buns (we used Sara Lee French rolls-which were PERFECT)
Swiss, provolone or mozzarella cheese

First, rub the beef roast with salt and pepper-be generous, this adds so much flavor! And literally rub it. I sprinkled it on and then rubbed it to really smear it into the meat. Heat the oil in a skillet until HOT. Then brown the meat on all sides. This only take a couple minutes, if your oil is hot. You're not cooking the meat, only searing the outsides to seal in flavor and juices.

After all sides are browned, place it in your crock pot. Sprinkle the onion soup mixes on top. Then add the two cans of beef broth and the two cups of water.

After all ingredient are in the pot, turn it to "Low" for 8-10 hours. You can also save an hour or two by cooking on "High" for 4-5 hours then "Low" for another 3-4 hours. We just did "Low" from 10:30 to 6:30 and it didn't need another minute. When it's ready, take the meat out and shred it with a fork.

Place the meat on the rolls and top with cheese. Broil open-faced in the oven for a few minutes, you just want your bread to be slightly crispy and your cheese to melt. Ladle the juice from the crock pot into little cups for dipping and dig in!

Oh, they were delicious. For next time, we left ours in the oven for just a second too long and the meat dried a little. But the cheese got a little crispy and I thought that added a whole other flavor!

A big thanks to the ladies over at Our Best Bites, for providing the recipe!

Later today, after our doctor's appointment, I'll put up my 28 week belly pictures, though, you'll recognize the outfit above. :)

It was a nice night, hanging out with Leslie and Hector, eating great (easy!) food and watching House. It was a NICU episode.. how appropriate? :) Can't wait to do it again!

So we have a check-up today at 11. Then some fun errands to run (that may or may not involve getting our Halloween costume materials...). I'll fill you in later!