Beef Stew

I love the idea of hearty one pot meals.  I have never made or even eaten beef stew before, I've just always liked the idea of it.  I made it this weekend and cannot wait to make it again!

2 lb of stew meat
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion chopped
2-3 celery stalks -- chopped
2 carrots -- peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
2 cloves garlic
3 C beef stock
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 russet potato -- diced in bite size pieces
2 Tbsp of cornstarch
2 Tbsp of water
Salt and Pepper to taste


In a dutch oven, heat oil and brown the meat.  You don't have to cook it, just give it some color.  You'll have to do it in batches as food doesn't brown in an overcrowded pan.

In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce.  Cook for a couple of minutes.  Stir in the meat and all the juices that may have accumulated on the plate.  Stir around for another couple of minutes.  Add the stock. Salt and pepper the mixture.  Cover and cook for 2 hours.  After 2 hours, stir in the carrots and celery.  Cover and cook for another 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes, add the potato.  Again cover and cook for another 15 minutes.  Once the potatoes are tender, drop the heat to a slow simmer.  Stir the cornstarch in with the water.  Mix until smooth and stir into the stew.  Allow the mixture to boil and simmer for another 10 minutes.  Adjust seasonings and serve.

Black Bean Soup

Disclaimer:  I suck at taking photos.  I know this picture is off center and lopsided, but like I said I could never take a good photo.

Yesterday I made black bean soup and it was a hit!  I used a crockpot and loved how dinner was like 99% ready when I got home.

The recipe is:

3 cans black beans -- drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can corn -- drained
2 cups water
2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne powder
1/4 link of a smoked turkey sausage -- chopped
salt and pepper to taste

I dumped everything in the crockpot in the morning minus the sausage.  I set it on low and let it cook for approximately 10 hours.  I came home and used an immersion blender and pureed the whole thing smooth.  I left it in the crockpot, while I lightly sauteed the turkey sausage.  I added that to the batch and let it cook for another 30 minutes.  The end result was so good and good for you!  It was creamy and the sausage added just enough smokiness.  I'll definitely be making this again.