Tuesday, May 11, 2010

comfort in a crock

BEEF STEW!

If you wish to be comforted on a day like today, damp and dreary, just make a crock of hearty beef stew.  This will cheer you up.  :)
3 lbs. beef stew meat
4 lbs. potatoes
1 turnip
1 bag carrots
1 bag of mixed veggies
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup water
1 pkg. stew mix
1 pkg. chili mix
sea salt and pepper to taste

Cut stew meat, potatoes and turnip (after peeling, of course) into 1 inch cubes.  Brown in oil, meat first, then add potatoes and turnip.  Do not drain.  When slightly softened, add carrots for a few minutes.  Pour mixture into crock pot and add stew and chili mix with one or two cups water (enough to cover food.) Stir well. Add package of assorted veggies and simmer in crock on low until ready, at least a couple of hours, so all the flavors blend.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Soon the aromas will fill the air.  Feel better?
Perhaps this will do the trick.  They call it hearty stew because it is always filled with love from the heart.  Enjoy! xo
dunkin' donuts could also do the trick