Steak Sandwich, The Classic Old Fashioned, and Bell Hammers

The steak sandwich, with its rich and savory flavors, pairs beautifully with the intriguing storyline of Lancelot Schaubert's "Bell Hammers," a novel that combines rustic charm with deeper, sometimes humorous narratives. Complementing this meal and story, the classic Old Fashioned cocktail offers a sophisticated yet robust taste, just like the tale itself. This trio creates a harmonious experience that tantalizes both taste buds and imagination. Whether you're delving into the misadventures of the main characters or savoring the complimenting gastronomic delights, this pairing is sure to provide a memorable night in.
Steak Sandwich

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ribeye or sirloin steak
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 4 crusty rolls or baguettes, sliced in half
  • 1/2 cup arugula or mixed greens
  • 4 slices provolone, cheddar, or Swiss cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or aioli
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Steak:

  • Season the steak generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak and cook to your desired doneness, about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  • Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Caramelize the Onions:

  • In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Prepare the Rolls:

  • While the onions are caramelizing, lightly toast the rolls or baguettes in the oven or on a grill until they are golden and crisp.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

  • Spread mayonnaise or aioli on the bottom halves of the toasted rolls. If using, add a layer of horseradish sauce or Dijon mustard.
  • Top with the sliced steak, followed by the caramelized onions.
  • Add a slice of cheese, if desired, and place the sandwich under the broiler for a minute to melt the cheese.
  • Top with arugula or mixed greens.

Serve:

  • Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich and serve immediately.

Bell Hammers

Bell Hammers

A heartwarming and humorous tale of life in the rural South featuring mechanics, mischief, and a love of tradition, following the misadventures of a group of friends who come together to play pranks and find meaning in their everyday lives.
Remmy grows up with Beth in Bellhammer, Illinois as oil and coal companies rob the land of everything that made it paradise. Remmy says, "We need the world's greatest prank. One grand glorious jest that'll bloody the nose of that tyrant. Besides, pranks and jokes don't got no consequences, right?"

Discussion Questions

  • What themes of tradition versus progress are evident in the book?
  • How do the pranks connect characters to each other?
  • In what ways does the rural setting act as another character in the book?
  • Discuss how the author portrays humor in relation to the serious moments.
  • How do the mechanics redefine the idea of community?
  • Which character's journey resonated with you the most, and why?
  • What symbolic roles do the hammers play in the story?
  • How does the relationship between the generations evolve through the story?
  • What role does nostalgia play in the narrative?
  • How does the ending reflect the themes introduced at the start?
Authors: Lancelot Schaubert
ISBN: 978-0070088000
Publisher: Midnight City Press
Published Date: 2020-10-12

The Classic Old Fashioned

The Classic Old Fashioned
An Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail that balances the richness of whiskey with the sweet and bitter notes of sugar and bitters, offering a sophisticated drinking experience.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 1 short peel of orange
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  • Place the sugar cube in a glass and saturate it with bitters.
  • Add one orange peel to the glass.
  • Muddle the ingredients together to release the flavors.
  • Add ice cubes, then pour the whiskey over the ice.
  • Stir the cocktail to chill and dissolve the sugar.
  • Garnish with an orange slice if desired and serve in a whiskey glass.