My computer has been down and just got it back today. The weather is frightful - had rain last night and today, then started snowing this afternoon and temperatures dropping to single digits and the wind is blowing. So I thought some comfort food would be good for such blustery weather. Tonight we had Chicken-fried steak with milk gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and applesauce.

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
Makes 4 servings

1 beaten egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 (4-5 oz) beef cubed steaks
Cooking oil

In a shallow dish, combine egg and buttermilk. In another shallow dish, combine flour, cornmeal, salt and pepper. Dip meat into flour mixture to coat, then dip in egg mixture. Coat again with the flour mixture.

Pour cooking oil into large skillet to a depth of 1/2 inch (about 1-3/4 cups oil). Heat oil until a bread cube dropped into the oil sizzles.

Cook steaks two at a time, in hot oil for 5-8 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. (Keep first two cooked steaks warm in a 300 degree oven while cooking remaining steaks.) Serve with your favorite gravy, if desired.