The Covered Dish - Mock Chicken Fried Steak

It’s been a very memorable week at our home. It all began with our son and his best gal taking possession of their home in Cape Fair, Missouri. Tuesday evening it ended with an engagement to be married, and YES she said YES! This mom was on cloud nine, I’m not sure I’ve come down yet!
My job for last week and this week was to keep the larder filled with meals. So far, I think we’ve done quite a bit. Last week was cloud biscuits, salmon patties and cookie dough, all for the freezer. The weekend brought us into beef enchiladas, cold pasta salads and fresh fruits. It’s Sunday evening and I’m now into egg salad, marinated cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe and quiche’s for the start of the week. It’s how I can help, so I’m on it. I’m also working on projects around the house and planting late flowers.
As I have been preparing foods for the kids I thought of a recipe that Phillip used to enjoy when I was still teaching at Silver Dollar City. Since I worked every weekend I made lots of make-ahead dishes for my husband and son. One was a mock chicken fried steak. My daughter in law to be isn’t fond of too much beef, so the recipe I’m featuring today will be made using ground chicken. Once again they will freeze nicely and be ready for fast meals on late nights.
Ervin, my spouse, has been enjoying all the extra cooking going on around here. I took advantage of flower sales at Walmart tonight and picked up additional discounted Boston Ferns. Early in the morning they will get transplanted to sit on either side of the garage.
They’ll look nice and festive with an American Flag in each pot.
I start my new job as Executive Director of 4Ozark Seniors next week. I’m anxious to start rolling and making things happen for seniors, in Stone and Taney counties. Switching from a 40 hour work week to a 20 hour week, is going to be wonderful.
Alright friends, if you haven’t looked at the calendar 4th of July is at our doorsteps! I’d like to know how we got here so fast! Watch the grocery sales this weekend and start planning the menu for the 4th. Get your eggs now for the deviled eggs. Watch for potato sales for the potato salads. Hummer in on the dessert, I’m thinking about key lime pie!
If you don’t have plans, then make plans. Invite friends over for dessert and coffee to go with the fireworks. Or maybe just fresh watermelon or a fruit bowl. Peach cobblers sound good too. Simply yours, The Covered Dish.

Mock Chicken Fried Steak
1 pound hamburger
2 teaspoons onion salt, I use powder these days
2 teaspoons parsley flakes
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon chili powder
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl using only half of the cracker crumbs. If it is too stiff add a little milk. Sprinkle the rest of the crumbs on counter or large bowl. Rolls balls out into steaks, pressing them into the well crumbled cracker crumbs. Place on waxed paper or parchment paper and chill for 30 minutes. Fry in hot oil until brown on both sides. For a healthier approach try the following: Less salt, and try baking on a cookie sheet instead of frying them. I do this approach with homemade Salisbury steaks too.
When I was growing up my mother, Betty, would keep these made in the freezer so on days she wanted to sew or take on a special project there was a meal waiting. I would cook some potatoes, add a vegetable, brown or white gravy and call it a good meal.
Because I’m making these for my son, who loves some heat, I’ll bring in additional spices as I roll the patties into the crackers, at the end.