Italian Beef Sandwiches

When we're in the mood for a hearty meal (that takes minimal effort on my part) this is one of our go-to's. Here's my version of an easy Italian beef sandwich using only five ingredients (and only about 5 minutes)...

Giardiniera is key, if you like spicy. I think you could use it even if you don't like spicy because it cooks so long that the flavor is more prominent than the spiciness.

And you are going to need a crock pot.

The Recipe:

• 4 lb (approximately) beef pot roast
• salt and pepper
• 3 cups beef broth/stock (or enough to cover the meat half way once in the crock pot)
• 1 jar hot giardiniera
• Sub rolls or hoagie rolls

The Method:

1. Season both sides of the meat with salt and pepper.
2. Place in your crock pot along with beef broth and giardiniera (pour all the contents of the jar of giardiniera if you like it spicy; strain out the oil and only add the peppers if you want it more mild).
3. Turn crock pot to low and let cook about 6-8 hours (I say, the longer the better)
4. Once cooked the meat will be so tender that you won't need to shred it; just fill up a sub roll and enjoy!

Add some mozzarella or provolone and melt for an even better version!

Some of Our Summer in Pictures...

...cause it's not over yet!!!

This is by no means an exhaustive summary of all the wonderful things we have done this summer so far but I thought I would share some since most of my posts lately have been about food.

Camping waaaay back in May to kick off the summer

Janine and Tatum

"No camping beyond this point"

Hanging out with Ashley in May (I think I already posted this pic, oh well)

At church some random Sunday


Hanging out at the beach/park on Father's Day (before Ingrid and Nathan's wedding which I have NO pictures from, oops!)

Gwen hanging out at our place

The infamous SVU party

Take out boxes and to-go coffee cups are a must for an SVU party. And yes, that is Stabler in the background.

Getting in from the beach before this looming storm blew in. There have been a lot of thunderstorms this summer! You can't see our building in this picture but it is to the left of these buildings.

Good times at the Golden Angel

Hanging out at Ravinia

Enjoying a church service at the beach.

A bit of Afterglow...

Everyone hanging out at the ice cream/candy shop.

Sonja probably enjoyed it the most.

Matt and Pete

Sonja and her favorite guy, Chad. She was a little obsessed with him that week, it was really cute.

Hanging out at the go-kart track...

"The best" -Chad

Loving Grandma and Grandpa's coordinating outfits.

And finally, hanging out with some good friends from Bolivia who came all the way from Australia to tour the States. We did lots of fun stuff with them (went to a Sox game, hung out on a friends' boat on Lake Michigan, went to a concert at Millennium Park) but this is somehow the only picture I got of Adrian and Renae! Oh well.

Looking back, we have been fortunate to hang out with lots of good friends from both near and far this summer. Spending quality time with wonderful friends and family just makes me feel so lucky. Unfortunately, I was not able to join Matt in Washington this weekend to see his family. I hope all you Johnsons and Andersons are having fun together...I know you are!