Sweet and Savory Crockpot Beef Stew
Fall weather is officially taken a turn and come to land in Portland for the next few months. I know this to be true because at 3 am when I heard a ticking sound, I thought to myself how something horrible was about to happen. But in all reality, that horrific sound that scared me still as could be was only our rain gutters. They finally failed to keep up with the rain that was quickly filling to the brim. The amount of rain these past few days had been impossible to keep up with. Needless to say, my evening scare was fulfilled with something entirely meaningless which allowed me to peacefully fall back to sleep.
I do love the cool crisp mornings, but I must say, I truly do not enjoy the rain for extended periods of time. A little here and there but not torrential downpour for days. There’s something about a rainy day that is comforting but not a hurricane taking over my life. I may be protesting a bit because my son loves outside no matter the weather. Tornadoes and hurricanes mixed with a little snow and ice and my son wouldn’t know the difference as long as he was outside playing. I on the other hand, can handle being outside if it’s not too nor too cold. Hmmm we shall see how this will play out the remainder of winter. I’m a little snow bird who loves to bundle up by the fire with socks, jammies (aka pj’s), blankets and a hot cup of tea or coffee. God changed my life when he brought not only a baby to my life, but a boy.
Enough of my complaining about the rain, I have many months I can continue this banter on rain as it is just beginning. ;)
Anyway, Michael’s step dad was coming over for pumpkin carving and dinner. I always enjoy a cozy meal on a beautiful fall day. This meal was perfect and allowed me to spend time carving pumpkins rather then slaving away in the kitchen.
Here’s what to do:
First- have a rainy day (check)
Second- have pumpkins (check)
Third- have a crockpot and LOVE to use it (check)
VIOLA, watch the magic happen!!!!!
Ingredients:
- I lb Stew Meat
- 1 cups baby carrots (as is)
- 4 Celery Stalks, chopped
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 6 Red Potatoes, chopped
- 2 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 4 tbsp beef Bouillon
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 2 1/2 tbsp flour
In a crockpot add stew meat, carrots, celery, onion and potatoes.
Add in water and beef bouillon and stir.
Top off with rosemary, bay leaf, garlic, pepper and parsley. Allow to sit for 6-8 hours on low heat.
20 minutes before serving, take a cup of broth and add flour. Mix together until no lumps are present. Pour into the stew and give it a good stir. Let sit for 20-30 minutes.
Serve with fresh garlic toast and a fresh cut green salad.
While the crockpot was cooking, I was enjoying watching my son try and drill holes into his pumpkin.
“Cheez” my boys scooping out the guts…
Yes that’s right, Cooper has scissors in his hands.
The pumpkins are coming to life…or maybe that’s just us.
Marlin, Michael’s step-dad getting in on the magic as well.
Helping daddy cut some eyes out.
And here is masterpiece in action.
Carving pumpkins is never really “my thang,” but I do it for the simple joy it brings my son to watch things transform and get goop all over his hands. It was fun and we had a great time together with good food and good conversation.
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