Chicken-Fried Steak & Gravy

I've been in a mood for comfort food lately, so this was dinner last night.  It's a good ole stand by in my kitchen.

 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups 2% milk, divided

4 beef cube steaks (6 oz each)

1 1/4 tsp salt, divided

1 tsp pepper, divided

Oil for frying

1 cup water

Place 1 cup flour in a shallow bowl.  In a separate shallow bowl, whisk eggs and 1/2 cup milk until blended.  Sprinkle steaks with 3/4 tsp each salt and pepper.  Dip in flour to coat both sides; shake off excess.  Dip in egg mixture, then again in flour.  

In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat 1/4" of oil over medium heat.  Add steaks; cook until golden brown, 4 - 6 minutes on each side.  Remove from pan, drain on paper towels.  Keep warm.

Remove all but 2 Tbsp of oil from pan.  Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper until smooth; cook and stir over medium heat until golden brown, 3 - 4 minutes.  Gradually whisk in water and remaining milk.  Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1 - 2 minutes.  Serve with the steaks.

This is fantastic served with green beans and biscuits.  Great with mashed potatoes too.