We gave the original Cobb salad a Heartland twist with broiled sirloin steak instead of chicken.

We gave the original Cobb salad a Heartland twist with broiled sirloin steak instead of chicken. Iowa's own Maytag bleu cheese stands in for Roquefort. Warm Golden Corn Rolls fresh from the oven complete this meal.

Your Menu: Serves 6

Midwest-Style Cobb Salad
Golden Corn Rolls

• Chocolate or plain cheesecake
• Lowfat or fat-free milk

Test Kitchen Tips:

The salad dressing can be covered and chilled up to 1 week ahead; just whisk before serving.

To hard-cook eggs for salad, place eggs in a single layer in a medium saucepan. Add enough cold water to just cover the eggs. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat (water will have large rapidly breaking bubbles). Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes; drain. Run cold water over the eggs or place them in ice water until cool enough to handle; drain. To peel eggs, gently tap each egg on the countertop. Roll the egg between the palms of your hands. Peel off eggshell, starting at the large end.

Rolls can be frozen in sealed freezer containers up to 3 months ahead. Wrap in foil and reheat in a 350 degrees F oven about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

Check your local bakery or the bakery department of your favorite grocery store for cheesecake. Call first, as you may need to order ahead. Or, check the freezer aisle.

Shopping List:

For Salad:

• 1 pound boneless beef sirloin steak
• 1 bottle white balsamic or white wine vinegar
• 1 jar Dijon-style mustard
• 1 container dried oregano
• 1 8-ounce head Boston or Bibb lettuce
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 3 ounces Maytag or other blue cheese
• 1 8-ounce package sliced bacon
• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 small cantaloupe
• 1 head garlic
• 1 chocolate or plain 8- or 9-inch cheesecake
• 1 gallon lowfat or fat-free milk (use some for rolls)

For Rolls:

• 1 package yellow cornmeal
• 1 pound butter
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 dozen eggs

Pantry Items:

For Salad:

• salad oil
• granulated sugar
• salt
• ground black pepper
• olive oil

For Rolls:

granulated sugar

salt

all-purpose flour

shortening for greasing bowl and baking sheet

Equipment Needed:

For Salad:

• measuring cups and spoons
• cutting board and knife
• medium saucepan with lid to hard-cook eggs
• medium skillet to cook bacon
• broiler pan with rack
• resealable plastic bag or medium glass or ceramic bowl
• screw-top jar with lid
• small bowl
• whisk

For Rolls:

• measuring cups and spoons
• medium saucepan
• wooden spoon
• very large mixing bowl
• instant-read thermometer
• small bowl
• pastry cloth or wooden board
• large bowl
• rolling pin
• 2 - 1/2 to 3-inch biscuit cutter
• pastry brush

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