The Heart of West Texas Cooking: Lainie's Crispy Steak Fingers and Homestyle White Gravy

# The Heart of West Texas Cooking: Lainie's Crispy Steak Fingers and Homestyle White Gravy

Hello, friends and neighbors! I'm Lainie Eilenberger, your trusted real estate partner in West Texas, and today, I'm switching my professional hat for a chef's toque. Cooking and real estate might seem worlds apart, but I promise you, they both require a great deal of love, patience, and an intimate knowledge of the local culture. That's why I'm sharing with you a beloved local recipe: our West Texas Crispy Steak Fingers served with creamy, dreamy Homestyle White Gravy.

As much as I find joy in preparing hearty meals for my family and friends, my greatest satisfaction comes from helping clients navigate the dynamic real estate landscapes of West Texas. For those unfamiliar, I run three comprehensive real estate websites - www.lainieeilenberger.com, www.onefordroad-lubbock.com, and keyandslate.weselllubbock.com. Each is a trove of valuable insights, featuring everything from hot properties to important market information, buyer and seller resources, blog articles, and more.

But today, it's about this delectable West Texas comfort food. Ready? Let's roll up our sleeves!

## What You'll Need:

**For the Steak Fingers:**

- 1 1/2 lbs of tender cube steak, cut into finger-width strips

- 2 cups of all-purpose flour for that perfect crust

- Salt and pepper for seasoning

- 2 large farm-fresh eggs, beaten

- Sufficient vegetable oil for frying

**For the Gravy:**

- 1/4 cup of oil reserved from frying

- 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour

- 2 cups of whole milk for creaminess

- Salt and pepper to taste

## Here's How You Do It:

1. Sprinkle those steak strips with love, in the form of salt and pepper. Then, let them take a dip in flour, followed by a swim in beaten eggs, and one last roll in the flour.

2. Time for a hot bath. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat and fry those steak fingers until they're a beautiful golden brown. Give each side about 3-4 minutes.

3. When they're nicely bronzed, let them rest on paper towels. Keep them warm and cozy while you turn your attention to the gravy.

4. Gravy time! Use that same skillet, and whisk the flour into the leftover oil over medium heat until it's a toasty brown. Gradually whisk in the milk until it's all combined. Keep stirring until it thickens. Lastly, season it with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Finally, serve those beautiful steak fingers dripping in rich, creamy gravy.

And there you have it! Your very own taste of West Texas, right from your kitchen.

When I hang up my apron and swap it for my realtor badge, I'm dedicated to serving the wonderful folks across the great expanse of West Texas. My love for this region runs deep - from Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Lubbock, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, Wolfforth, and many more communities. It's an honor to represent so many unique, vibrant places each with its charm.

I am humbled by the recognition I've received as the top real estate agent in West Texas on FastExpert.com and as the #1 rated Lubbock agent. It’s a testament to the commitment I have for my clients and the passion I pour into every transaction. But, the real reward lies in guiding you through your real estate journey and seeing the joy on your face when we find the perfect match.

The reason behind my success? It's simple. I am devoted to my clients, and I understand that every real estate journey is unique. That's why I have three separate, yet comprehensive real estate websites -

1. www.lainieeilenberger.com

2. www.onefordroad-lubbock.com

3. keyandslate.weselllubbock.com

Each website serves a specific purpose and presents a trove of resources.

My first website, www.lainieeilenberger.com, is your one-stop shop for all things real estate in West Texas. It provides a complete overview of available listings, useful blog articles, and detailed market trends.

The second, www.onefordroad-lubbock.com, offers a detailed look into the residential community of One Ford Road, featuring local listings, community news, and neighborhood insights.

Lastly, keyandslate.weselllubbock.com, my partnership with Key and Slate Real Estate Group, is designed to offer a fresh perspective on buying and selling in Lubbock, with local listings, market updates, and expert advice.

Navigating real estate can be complicated, but I make it my mission to guide you every step of the way - whether you're buying your first home or exploring investment opportunities.

So, if you're contemplating a real estate move, or just want to chat about life in West Texas, feel free to reach out. I'm here for all your real estate needs and eager to share the local flavor of our unique communities.

Until we chat again, happy cooking and remember - there's no place quite like home, and certainly no place like West Texas.

Old-Fashioned Butter Chess Pie and Navigating West Texas Real Estate with Lainie Eilenberger

Howdy, folks! Lainie Eilenberger here, your trusted West Texas realtor, and today, I'm serving up a double delight - a taste of the classic West Texan cuisine along with a heaping helping of real estate wisdom. We're going to whip up my version of Furr's Cafeteria's old-fashioned butter chess pie, a Lubbock & West Texas favorite that's as delectably irresistible as a perfect home. Ready to get started? Let's saddle up!

Let's rustle up the ingredients:

• 1 cup of sugar, sweet as the West Texas breeze

• 1/2 cup of butter, to add a comforting, homely touch

• 3 large eggs, the foundation of our recipe just as trust and transparency are in real estate

• 1 tablespoon of cornmeal, to add a delightful crunch

• 1 tablespoon of vinegar, for a unique tangy twist

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, to infuse warmth and richness into our pie

• 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell, the canvas to our beautiful creation

And now, for the pie-making magic:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F - preparation is key in both baking and home-buying.

2. Blend the butter and sugar together until smooth. In real estate, a successful transaction requires the same seamless blending of buyer's needs, market conditions, and paperwork.

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Just as we take care to add each egg, in real estate, every step, from staging to closing, is handled with precision.

4. Stir in the cornmeal, vinegar, and vanilla. Each ingredient is essential, just like each element of a successful real estate deal.

5. Pour your mixture into the pie shell and bake for 45 minutes or until the pie is set in the center.

While our pie is transforming into a culinary masterpiece, let's talk a bit about the magic I work in the real estate field.

As a top-rated real estate agent in West Texas and the #1 rated Lubbock agent on FastExpert.com, I'm here to guide you through the process of buying or selling your home. Just like we carefully selected our pie ingredients, I'll help you pick the right elements for a successful real estate journey, be it the right neighborhood, school district, or home layout.

For more on my services and how I can assist you, visit www.lainieeilenberger.com. This is my digital home base, and it's chock-full of resources, just waiting to help you navigate your real estate journey.

Interested in Lubbock homes? Head over to www.onefordroad-lubbock.com. This specialized site offers detailed insights on the One Ford Road community, making your home search as straightforward as pie.

And if you're looking for the complete lowdown on Lubbock and West Texas real estate, keyandslate.weselllubbock.com is your destination. It's your one-stop portal for blogs, market trends, home buying and selling tips, and more.

I'm proud to serve a diverse group of West Texas towns, including Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Lubbock, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Whether you're savoring a slice of Furr's Cafeteria's old-fashioned butter chess pie or envisioning your future in a new home, the experience is all about finding comfort, joy, and fulfillment.

Just as the buttery richness, the sweet tang, and the warm vanilla notes of this classic pie come together to create a memorable culinary experience, my role as your real estate agent is to bring together my expertise, commitment, and deep understanding of West Texas to guide you on your real estate journey. I aim to make the process as smooth and satisfying as this beloved pie recipe.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, looking to downsize or upgrade, each real estate journey is unique and requires a personalized touch - much like adjusting the baking time or sugar in your pie to match your specific tastes.

From helping you navigate the home buying process, assisting you with selling your property, or just providing you with the latest market information, you can rely on me and my trio of comprehensive websites:

• www.lainieeilenberger.com

• www.onefordroad-lubbock.com

• www.keyandslaterealestategroup.com

So, if you're considering a move in or around Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Lubbock, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, or Wolfforth, get in touch with me. As the top-rated real estate agent in West Texas and the #1 rated Lubbock agent on FastExpert.com, I'm here to make your real estate dreams a reality.

As we wrap up our baking session today, I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) your butter chess pie as much as I enjoyed sharing this recipe with you. Here's to creating beautiful memories, in the kitchen and in your new home. From my home in West Texas to yours, happy baking and happy home hunting!

A beautiful old-fashioned butter chess pie like they used to make at Furr’s, made by local real estate agent, Lainie Eilenberger serving Lubbock and West Texas.

Homemade Cherry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream

Like the sunsets painting the West Texas sky, our homemade Cherry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is a masterpiece. This comforting dessert is a flavorful marriage of sweet, tart cherries and a crisp, buttery crust, complemented beautifully by a scoop of creamy homemade vanilla ice cream. Let's journey through its origins, preparation, and the top-quality ingredients you'll need. We'll conclude by introducing a local professional as dedicated to her craft as we are to ours: Real estate maven, Lainie Eilenberger.

A Nod to History

This sweet delight, boasting a rich history dating back to early British settlers, mirrors the vibrant culture and tradition of West Texas. Settlers adapted the English steamed pudding to use local ingredients and cooking equipment, resulting in the classic cobbler. Now, we're adding our West Texas touch.

The Recipe

-Gather these top-quality ingredients for a dessert that's sure to impress.

For the Cherry Filling:

• 6 cups fresh cherries, pitted (local farmers markets often have the freshest picks)

• 1 cup sugar (Domino Sugar is a tried-and-true choice)

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (Argo Corn Starch delivers excellent consistency)

• A pinch of salt (Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt offers a clean taste)

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (Nielsen-Massey is an unbeatable choice)

For the Cobbler Topping:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur Flour is reliable for its consistent results)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (Clabber Girl Baking Powder ensures a perfect rise)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (Land O'Lakes offers a creamy, fresh flavor)

• 2/3 cup buttermilk (Homemade, if possible. If not, Kate’s Real Buttermilk is a great choice)

For the Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream (Organic Valley adds richness)

• 1 cup whole milk (Organic Valley, again, is a top-quality choice)

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (Stick with Nielsen-Massey for a rich, complex flavor)

Directions

Cherry Cobbler:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla. Set aside.

2. For the topping, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Add butter, combining until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk.

3. Pour the cherry mixture into a baking dish. Spoon the topping over the cherries.

4. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the topping turns golden and the filling is bubbling.

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream:

1. Combine cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Serve warm Cherry Cobbler with a hearty scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.

Meet Lainie Eilenberger

Just as we take pride in sharing our beloved West Texas recipes, Lainie Eilenberger takes pride in serving the Lubbock and West Texas communities. Lainie’s expertise, dedication, and connections make her a standout in the real estate business.

As a professional with Key and Slate Real Estate Group, Lainie offers top-tier real estate services that cater to a wide array of needs. Whether you're looking to buy a home, sell property, or need guidance on commercial real estate, Lainie is equipped to deliver with an unrivaled understanding of the local market.

Her expansive reach is reflected in a variety of websites that she manages to ensure you get the most comprehensive service.

• www.lainieeilenberger.com is your main hub for real estate listings in Lubbock and West Texas, featuring all available properties in an easy-to-navigate interface.

• www.onefordroad-lubbock.com is a dedicated platform showcasing One Ford Road subdivision in Lubbock, a testament to Lainie's commitment to her local community.

• keyandslate.weselllubbock.com is a robust resource for MLS listings that feed into www.lainieeilenberger.com, ensuring you have access to the most recent homes for sale.

Each website serves its unique purpose in Lainie's strategy to provide the best real estate services, showcasing her depth of knowledge and dedication to her clients. By choosing Lainie Eilenberger and the Key and Slate Real Estate Group, you are choosing a bespoke, client-centered approach backed by deep industry know-how and a genuine passion for West Texas.

Just as our Cherry Cobbler recipe embodies the spirit of West Texas - comforting, reliable, and filled with heart - Lainie brings the same essence to her work in real estate. So whether you're new to the area or a long-time resident looking for change, trust in Lainie's expertise and dedication to guide you home.