May 12, 2011

Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich + Guy Fieri Food Giveaway

First of all, congrats to PERSON who won the Saucy Mama sample pack!

Oh, boy, this is fantastic. I received a copy of Guy Fieri’s first (and newly released) cookbook Guy Fieri Food to review and was so excited to dive in. If you’re not familiar with Guy Fieri, he’s a wildy popular Food Network personality and hosts several shows on the network. I’m a long-time fan of Guy, since watching him win the Next Food Network Star a while back. Anyway, this is by far the most unique cookbook I have ever owned. Just like Guy himself, his cookbook is fun, colorful, entertaining, and. . . er. . . dare I say, hefty? This book is over 400 pages and weighs exactly 3 lbs 13 ounces. It’s a big boy.

It’s also very manly and punk rock — about as far from Martha as you can get. Even after browsing through it for a half hour I had to keep reminding myself that it was a cookbook and not a coffee table book in a tatoo joint. (Do tatoo places have coffe table books? I’m so far from all of that, but I try to be cool about it.) Check out the crazy illustrations, which I found out later were drawn by Guy’s tatoo artist. The book is covered with them…

Chickens playing cards? I love it. And vegetables seem much, much cooler when drawn like ninjas. Not only does the book have recipes and rockstar illustrations, it contains almost everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Guy and his rise to stardom. It also contains practical helps on butchery and vegetable preparation, as well as a complete guide to stocking your pantry and kitchen.

I used to watch a lot of Food Network back when I had one immobile baby and more time than I knew what to do with. *Wistful sigh* When I saw recipes I liked I jotted them down in a little notebook. That’s how I discovered the fish tacos he serves at his restaurant, Tex Wasabi’s. Another recipe was his McAlister Potatoes. I was excited to see both recipes in his book!

Since I’d already taken a crack at his fish tacos, I tried the potatoes next. And loved them. I was also introduced to peppadew peppers (the bright orange peppers in the photo above are the mild version and taste like sweet jalapeno jelly).

Luckily the recipe for the potatoes is on the Food Network site, so I linked to it above. They’re not for the faint of heart (almost literally), as the potatoes are smashed and fried and are set on a pile of crispy bacon and sweet caramelized onions. Oh, and there’s sour cream with bits of peppadew peppers mixed in that goes on top. A carb coma worth slipping into at least once a year.

With all of the carnivorous recipes in this book (it’s very manly, remember?) I made the mistake of trying Guy’s veggie burgers. Not so hot – like ordering fish tacos at a specialty burger joint. (Um, I’ve done that. Worst fish tacos ever.) Order what they’re good at! I have high hopes for his Baklava Cigars, Guy-talian Nachos, and French Pig Pizza, which are next on my list. As soon as I’ve taken a little break, that is. All I want to eat for the next couple of weeks is salad.

Since I was craving sandwiches at that point, I chose this recipe out of the ones the publisher allowed me to share — Chicago Italian Beef Sandwiches.

Wow. Fantastic flavor. All of us loved it! (See more detailed comments with the recipe at the end of this post.) Like most of Guy’s recipes, it’s not something you can whip up in 30 minutes on a weeknight. These recipes are great if you’re feeling ambitious or entertaining on the weekend. Or for Father’s Day for the manly chef in your life!

Harper Collins has generously agreed to let me give away a copy of Guys’ brand new book so you can enjoy all 3 lb 13 oz of tasty, fantastic content.

TO ENTER:

Simply leave a comment on this post and answer the question:

Who is your favorite Food Network personality?

A few little details…

1. Comments will close on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 10PM PST. I’ll use a random number generator to choose one winner that I will contact and announce here on the 16th. If I don’t get a response from the winner after three days I’ll pick a new one.

2. One entry per person. As much as I love having new Facebook and Twitter pals, I want you to follow me because you genuinely like my blog. Not for extra entries in a contest.

3. Contest open to US residents only.

4. Leave a way for me to contact you. I shout this from the rooftops every time I do a giveaway, but every time over a quarter of the entries are those who I cannot reach. If your Blogger profile is private or you do not have an email address/active blog listed, please leave your email address or send me an email at perrysplate [at] gmail [dot] com after you leave a comment so I have your contact info.

Oh yes, the recipe…

Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich

Ingredients:

For the spice mix:
3 T Italian seasoning
2 T fine sea salt
2 T freshly cracked black pepper
1 T paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

For the sandwiches:
4 lbs beef top round, with fat cap
3 T bacon fat or canola oil
3 yellow onions, chopped
1 cup garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1/2 cup red wine
3 T Worcesterchire sauce
2 cups beef stock
2 bay leaves
6 sourdough hero or hoagie rolls, split and toasted
1 cup chopped drained Italian giardiniera (pickled vegetables)
1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, sliced 1/4-inch thick

Directions:

Combine all of the ingredients for the spice mix in a small bowl. Rub the spice mix on the meat, cover meat tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. (Store any remaining spice mix in an airtight jar.)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.

On the stovetop, in a roasting pan over high heat, add the bacon fat. When it starts to smoke a little, add the beef and cook for 15 minutes, turning meat often, until it is nicely browned on all sides. Ad the onions and cook for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the wine, Worcestershire, stock, and bay leaves and scrape up all the browned bits.

Transfer the pan to the oven and roast the meat for about 1 hour 30 minutes, uncovered, until the center registers 135 degrees F. Remove meat from the pan and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

Cool the broth in the roasting pan and remove the fat that rises to the top. Strain. (I didn't do this because my meat was lean.)

When the meat is cool, slice it very thin. Reheat the broth and add the meat.

Place some meat on each roll, ladle some broth over the meat, and top with giardiniera vegetables and red peppers.

Serves 6-8.

Nat's Notes:
1. Because I couldn't find a grass-fed roast at the store I was at, I opted for steaks (and halved the recipe). I had to adjust the cooking times to 5 minutes or so in the skillet, removing the steaks from the skillet before adding the wine, etc, then returning them to the skillet to be finished in the oven. It only took about 15-20 minutes before my meat reached the desired temperature, which resulted in medium-rare beef, I believe. A little to rare for me. Because it wasn't cooked very long, the meat was slightly chewy, which I'm really sensitive about. My husband LOVED it, though. We had some leftover steaks that I put in the fridge and cut a couple of days later. They were more tender after chilling.
2. I halved the amount of cayenne and crushed red pepper because I have little ones, and it was still kind of spicy, especially the leftover sliced meat that was sitting in the juices overnight.
3. Because I don't use wine or liquor in my kitchen, I used additional beef broth in place of the wine.
4. There is a recipe for homemade Italian giardiniera in Guy's book, which I made a small amount of after not finding it at two different grocery stores. (I ended up seeing it by the pickles at Winco, of all places. After the fact.) The veggies were really strong, like a vinegary punch in the face alone, but were awesome in small amounts on the sandwich.
5. For the bread, I used a chewy artisan sourdough ciabatta loaf. If we eat white bread, it's got to be the good stuff. You'll want the chewy, thick crust to hold up to the juices from the meat.

from Guy Fieri Food

(This giveaway copy as well as my own was provided by HarperCollins Publishers, but all opinions shared are 100% my own.)

Cookbook Reviews, Italian, Main Dish Beef, Sandwiches and Wraps

75 comments »

75 Responses to “Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich + Guy Fieri Food Giveaway”

1

Sare — May 13, 2011 @ 5:26 pm

Probably Tyler Florence since he's the only Food Network person I've ever met. I really love them all though. I'd invite any of them to a party and let them make whatever they want :)

[Reply]
2

Joanne — May 13, 2011 @ 5:32 pm

Haha whenever I think of guy, I think of those potatoes since I've seen that episode about five times! Somehow it's ALWAYS on when I'm at the gym!

That sandwich looks delicious Natalie!

[Reply]
3

Beckie — May 13, 2011 @ 5:40 pm

Tyler Florence- I like his hair!! I know stupid reason to like him huh!!

[Reply]
4

Christina — May 13, 2011 @ 5:44 pm

So sad about blogger :(

My favorite food network personality is Giada. Cliche, I know, but she cooks so many vegetable-centric dishes with fresh herbs, I can't help but love her.

[Reply]
5

Lisa — May 13, 2011 @ 5:47 pm

I love Alton Brown.

[Reply]
6

gwen — May 13, 2011 @ 5:50 pm

I'm a big fan of Ina Garten. Her recipes never lead me astray!

[Reply]
7

Emily — May 13, 2011 @ 6:00 pm

I like Paula Deen, no shame! I also really like Alton.

[Reply]
8

Allison — May 13, 2011 @ 6:06 pm

My favorite food network personality is probably Bobby Flay! I love the next foodnetwork star and he hosts!!!

[Reply]
9

Boston Sweetie — May 13, 2011 @ 6:09 pm

Paula is absolutely my favorite!! I love her almost as I love butter ;)

http://bostonsweetieblog.blogspot.com

[Reply]
10

Jaime — May 13, 2011 @ 6:09 pm

I have to admit it's Rachael Ray. Her 30 minute meals are lifesavers when you have small children, a busy life and often have guests for dinner. I own two of her cookbooks and bought one for my sister-in-law a couple of years ago. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, though, used to be a go-to late night tv staple when we had cable and were still living on the farm!

[Reply]
11

Britty — May 13, 2011 @ 6:38 pm

I love Giada and Ina Garten. They cook most similarly to my own tastes.

[Reply]
12

Jessica — May 13, 2011 @ 6:40 pm

Guy Fieri is most definitely my favorite!

[Reply]
13

Inger — May 13, 2011 @ 6:43 pm

Guy Fieri is my favorite Food Network Personality. My name is Inger Nemcik and my email address is:
inemcik@indiana.edu

Thanks!

[Reply]
14

Rebeca — May 13, 2011 @ 6:43 pm

I'd pick Bobby Flay

[Reply]
15

Billie — May 13, 2011 @ 6:53 pm

I am a fan of Ina Garten. I really like her cookbooks and recipes.

[Reply]
16

joshuabyers50 — May 13, 2011 @ 6:56 pm

Guy….of course! I may not try the sandwich, but will most certainly try the potatoes (and I'm delusional if I think I can get peppadew peppers up here in Montana! :)

[Reply]
17

Meryl — May 13, 2011 @ 6:58 pm

Nigella Lawson.

[Reply]
18

ACarpenter — May 13, 2011 @ 6:58 pm

I love Alton Brown – he knows so much about food, it's crazy! But… love Ina Garten, too!

[Reply]
19

Cooking With Abandon — May 13, 2011 @ 7:08 pm

Alton Brown, closely followed by Nigella Lawson. I too was sad about the Blogger fiasco.

[Reply]
20

Megan — May 13, 2011 @ 7:09 pm

My favorite is Anne Thornton. I love Dessert First!

gostkowski.m@gmail.com

[Reply]
21

vicki — May 13, 2011 @ 7:16 pm

The newest member of the Food Network Family, Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman!

[Reply]
22

Staci — May 13, 2011 @ 7:17 pm

My favorite Food Network star – man there are so many great ones but the one I watch most is Guy! He has great personality and so outgoing! I make a similar sandwich – the family loves it! Being from the Chicago area – it is hard to find good Italian Beef here in OH!

[Reply]
23

Wendy Moreno — May 13, 2011 @ 7:22 pm

I hate to admit this, but I never watch Food Network. Years ago I watched Rachel Ray's 40 Dollars a Day a few times. I guess I will go with that. The sandwich looks yummy! My husband loves man food.

wendyannmnoreno@yahoo.com

[Reply]
24

Aimee — May 13, 2011 @ 7:25 pm

I really like Alton Brown! Mostly because I am a scientist :)

[Reply]
25

Jaime — May 13, 2011 @ 7:31 pm

This is sad for me to say…we don't have cable and thus I don't have access to Food Network. I watch when we go on vacation, though. That said, a cookbook by a Food Network person would rock!

[Reply]
26

Larissa Pavei — May 13, 2011 @ 7:48 pm

I ma a big fan of Rachel Ray!!!

(larissa@paveiphotos.com)

[Reply]
27

James and Monica — May 13, 2011 @ 7:58 pm

The only person I know from the food network is Guy Fieri. I would love this book, maybe it would actually motivate me to cook….maybe.

[Reply]
28

Kathy - Panini Happy — May 13, 2011 @ 7:59 pm

What a fun cookbook! I {heart} Ina. :-)

[Reply]
29

Joe Orr — May 13, 2011 @ 8:00 pm

Definitely Alton Brown – lately though I've been watching the Cooking Channel.

[Reply]
30

starre — May 13, 2011 @ 8:02 pm

Guy thats why I would love to win his book

ktstarre@hotmail.com

[Reply]
31

Topher — May 13, 2011 @ 8:16 pm

Alton Brown. The rest….mostly just don't do it for me. He seems by far to be the most knowledgeable.

Chris M.

zekks at yahoo dot com

[Reply]
32

Kelli — May 13, 2011 @ 8:18 pm

I like Guy, but I LOVE Tyler Florence. I think he's great!!

[Reply]
33

Kate Larsen — May 13, 2011 @ 9:16 pm

I don't have cable, but if I could I would just order Food Network and HGTV. Anyway, I love watching Giada's shows. yum.

[Reply]
34

Shannon — May 13, 2011 @ 9:23 pm

I like Robert Irvine. I think he knows exactly when to be serious and when to joke around. He's also hilarious.

[Reply]
35

Janssen — May 13, 2011 @ 9:36 pm

Ina Garten. I can't help loving her.

[Reply]
36

Sharon — May 13, 2011 @ 10:20 pm

Ina Garten, my favorite!

[Reply]
37

Holly — May 13, 2011 @ 10:23 pm

Ina Garten all the way! Classic and fresh – but Guy always is a treat to watch. He cracks me up!

[Reply]
38

mirlin — May 13, 2011 @ 10:31 pm

mirlindobson2@gmail.com likes Paula Deen. She makes food that my family really likes.

[Reply]
39

jacob — May 13, 2011 @ 11:08 pm

Ina and Giada!!!!!

[Reply]
40

Amy — May 13, 2011 @ 11:17 pm

I'm a Bobby Flay fan.

[Reply]
41

George — May 13, 2011 @ 11:40 pm

George A. – No doubt about it. Its got to be Guy. I miss his show in the afternoons because of work but never miss an episode of Triple D.

[Reply]
42

Ashlie and Alfred — May 13, 2011 @ 11:46 pm

Alton Brown is my favorite food network star – I love learning all the info behind a cooking technique or ingredient and he is the best teacher in that regard!

[Reply]
43

KristaMomma — May 13, 2011 @ 11:56 pm

I too watched alot of Food Network when my 1st daughter was a baby. I was just starting out as a stay at home mom & wanted to make all those delicious meals. I would try to write out all the recipes, as I watched, that I wanted to try.

My favorite to watch was Paula Deen. I know its not the kind of food you should eat every day, but it was like watching my grandma cook. I loved how she told life stories as she worked through a meal. Food made with love always tastes a little better.

[Reply]
44

Heather — May 14, 2011 @ 12:02 am

It's a toss up between Ina Garten and Paula Deen.

heatherspooner1981 at gmail dot com

[Reply]
45

auctionluver — May 14, 2011 @ 1:33 am

Hells Kitchen and Rachel Ray are my favorite, I didnt know Guy had another show besides minute to win it. This cookbook would great to have in my collection

[Reply]
46

Sara — May 14, 2011 @ 2:14 am

That's easy!

Ina!

[Reply]
47

Jayne — May 14, 2011 @ 3:20 am

A favorite? It's like choosing a favorite from a See's chocolate box. They're all so great. Right now I'm craving cajun and Bobby boy is best at that so I'll choose him.

[Reply]
48

auntie-m — May 14, 2011 @ 5:22 am

I'm loving Anne Burrell these days. She seems really cool.

[Reply]
49

Suzanne — May 14, 2011 @ 1:29 pm

Alton Brown is most definitely my favorite.

:)

[Reply]
50

Judy — May 14, 2011 @ 1:33 pm

I like many but guess Paula Dean is my favorite (we also share a home state)

walker88@bellsouth.net

[Reply]
51

Jodi — May 14, 2011 @ 2:30 pm

Alton Brown is my favorite. I like learning the science behind the food.

[Reply]
52

Carla — May 14, 2011 @ 2:30 pm

I love Anne Burrell from worst cooks and secrets of a rest chef. She always has so much spunk!

[Reply]
53

Meredyth Haas — May 14, 2011 @ 3:20 pm

Ina Garten – everything she makes looks delicious and easy!

[Reply]
54

Budget Gourmet Mom — May 14, 2011 @ 3:49 pm

Hmmm, I think picking a fave Food Network star is like picking my most favorite recipe; impossible! But I do especially love Guy, Ina, and Paula.

[Reply]
55

Low Carb Band-It — May 14, 2011 @ 3:53 pm

I will always and forever love Nigella Lawson. Her food speaks to me and when I make it, my family ALWAYS loves it!

[Reply]
56

Muriel Miller — May 14, 2011 @ 4:03 pm

Oh I love them all, but my husband and I are actually huge diners drive INS and dive fans so I would have to say Guy Fieri! Fun giveaway!

[Reply]
57

DeeGeeRN — May 14, 2011 @ 4:34 pm

Gotta love Alton Brown!

adamsca at me dot com

[Reply]
58

Healthy Mamma — May 14, 2011 @ 4:38 pm

I love Hawaiin Chicken Sandwiches! Fav summer time dinner. I got rid of cable a couple of years ago to limit t.v. time. The only thing I miss is the Cooking Channel and Garden show. *sigh
So believe it or not, I've not seen to much of Guy but his book looks very, very cool I'd totally love to get my hands on it!
My fav food star would have to be
Giada De Laurentis. I love her.

[Reply]
59

Jakibro — May 14, 2011 @ 5:02 pm

I love them all,but Bobby flay is my fave,paula dean and tyler florence!

[Reply]
60

Julie — May 14, 2011 @ 5:11 pm

I love Alton Brown. So sad Good Eats is ending!

[Reply]
61

morgan larsen — May 14, 2011 @ 8:03 pm

I love Ina Garten. She is definitely my favorite.

[Reply]
62

Amanda — May 14, 2011 @ 9:45 pm

I actually really do enjoy Guy Fieri – he's always entertaining!

aesolecki@gmail.com

[Reply]
63

Erika — May 14, 2011 @ 11:33 pm

I do love Rachael Ray!! She is awesome!
thai_sister@hotmail.com

[Reply]
64

twobarkingdogs — May 15, 2011 @ 2:34 am

I like a lot of them on tv, but I've never tried any of their recipes. So, as a tv personality and tv show chef, I'd say I like Emeril. No wait, Bobby Flay. Ok, no really forget them, I like Guy!

[Reply]
65

Shannon — May 15, 2011 @ 6:38 am

Alton Brown for his knowledge, Paula Deen for her laugh.

adelariel@yahoo.com

[Reply]
66

The Dish — May 15, 2011 @ 2:27 pm

Hands down Guy Fieri. I actually just bought the VIP tickets to his tour and unfor. they cancelled the show, I was so sad. I am dying to meet him and was really looking forward to checking out his new cookbook! All his shows rock, but Triple D is my ultimate fav;)

[Reply]
67

CarrieM — May 15, 2011 @ 7:36 pm

Alton Brown. I love him. carrie dot hare at gmail dot com

[Reply]
68

Leigh — May 15, 2011 @ 7:59 pm

I love Bobby Flay! I watch Throwdown often, but I feel bad when he wins. I always root for the "regular" person!

[Reply]
69

jilluk97 — May 15, 2011 @ 9:09 pm

Ina Garten! Easy recipes that taste delish!

[Reply]
70

Kimberly — May 15, 2011 @ 9:31 pm

That's tricky. I learn the most from Alton Brown but apparently have different taste than he does. I like Tyler Florence's food but Guy was my favorite of any season of Next Food Network Star so let's just say I like all three.

[Reply]
71

Natalie — May 15, 2011 @ 10:16 pm

I wish I had more time to watch Food Network! I don't really have a favorite!

[Reply]
72

Chelsea — May 16, 2011 @ 1:59 am

I love so many people! Unfortunately, I don't know any of the new personalities so I'll have to say my favorites are The Neely's, Tyler Florence, Guy, and Jamie Oliver.

I think that covers it.

chelsealexander at hotmail

[Reply]
73

Holly — May 16, 2011 @ 3:45 am

My favorite is always gonna be Paula Deen!!:) Love her!

[Reply]
74

Tina — May 16, 2011 @ 3:50 am

I confess I don't watch hardly any TV. Alton Brown is the only person who I know on Food Network.

[Reply]
75

Carole — May 16, 2011 @ 4:21 am

I too like The Barefoot Contessa, but maybe it's time to branch out a bit!

[Reply]