Oscars Party: "Silver Linings Playbook" Inspired Philly Cheesesteak Crostinis

If you thought Bradley Cooper was just a pretty face, then he has definitely proven you wrong in Silver Linings Playbook. I always thought he was good in comedies, not because he was particularly funny, he was always the guy that partnered well with other people who were funny and ridiculous. He was always in control, the cool and reserved guy, that was in funny situations because of the people who he hung out with. In Silver Linings Playbook, he completely lets go of his inhibitions, and is not afraid to look vulnerable. He plays a recently released from mental institution Philadelphian, who is battling with bi-polar disease, and is looking for a silver-lining. He meets the equally troubled Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), whose performance is so real and enduring. My mom called me right after she watched this movie, and said it changed her whole outlook on life. I agree in the sense that this movie shows you the happy ending we all seek in real life is not always perfect, and it never happens as it should. You always have to make the best of what you have.

Out of all the Oscar nominated movies, this is one of the most light-hearted, but still dramatic movie. Since the movie is set in Philly, and everyone is a big football fan, it's safe to say they would be pleased with Philly cheesesteaks. (Robert De Niro, who plays Bradley Cooper's father in the movie, actually talks about opening up a Philly cheesteak joint at one point). Even though I went to school in PA, and am a big pan of Philly cheesesteaks, they can be quite sloppy and messy to eat. Since I want to serve these at an Oscars party, I thought about making mini crostinis that look very neat and can be customized to as messy as you want them to be. Let's go Philly!

Philly Cheesesteak Crostinis

Ingredients

1 pound sirloin, trimmed

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ciabatta (or you can use a baguette)
Provolone Sauce, see below for recipe
Caramelized Onions, see below for recipe
Sauteed Peppers, see below for recipe

Directions

Place the steak in the freezer for an hour. It will be much easier to slice it this way.

Preheat the oven to 375. Cut the ciabatta into thin slices. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil, and lay the slices. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden. 

Remove the steak from the freezer, and using a sharp knife, slice it very thinly. Season with salt and pepper. 

Heat a grill pan-preferably cast iron-to high heat. Heat the olive oil in the pan. When the oil is hot, put the steak in and cook for 2-3 minutes, until browned.

You can serve it on a tray with all the condiments, and people can make their own. I find that it looks cleaner this way, and everyone controls how much they want of everything. If you want to serve them already assembled, just lay the meat first, then the onions and peppers, and drizzle the cheese sauce on top. 

Provolone Sauce:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warm
1 packet sliced provolone, cut into small strips (about 12 slices, or 1 cup grated)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until incorporated. Add about 1/2 cup of the milk slowly, and whisk it in. When combined, add the rest. Cook, whisking until thickened and the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon. Add the provolone slices, and cook until melted. Add the salt and pepper.

Caramelized Onions:

1 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 large Spanish onions, sliced thinly
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Heat the butter and oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and the salt, and cook slowly for about an hour. Make sure you check and stir them from time to time. If they start burning, add a little bit more olive oil.

Sauteed Peppers:

1 tablespoons olive oil
1 green pepper, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Heat the oil in pan over medium heat. Add the peppers and cook until they are softened, about 10 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.