Yesterday I made a beef stew (and received an unexpected gift!)

I am trying to do more in the kitchen...

have been wanting to eat out less and cook more... 

so yesterday I read various cookbooks and consulted friends on 

a beef stew recipe (first one shown in this post). 

I used marjoram and thyme. 

I just added some, did not measure it out.

About 1/4 cup of flour...

Kept meat out after browning while sauteing the onions and carrots... 

Beef stock + red wine is the liquid.... garlic, onion, carrots, potatoes are the vegetables! 

I am pretty sure I cooked this too long on the stove; 

it was quite reduced and thick, not really any broth by itself left.

The meat had thickened a bit too much... 

The stew was still tasty though! 

Next time I will not do it on the stove quite so long 

(ended up being 3 hours, 2 would of been enough)...

I had baked up frozen baguette as well,

went really well with the stew!

I enjoyed having the food all ready for when 

Mr Husband came home for dinner! 

We had gotten an unexpected package earlier in the day,

it was this hand-painted from Romania icon!

It's of our Lord Jesus Christ,

in case you didn't know.

***

We've had some hard things in terms of just being 

swamped with things to do, life, you know? if not one thing,

it's another. 

So I am trying to hold on to these moments as they come,

these unexpected gifts

reminding us that 

Christ is with us

in all things,

and is full of mercy... 

The Stew was lovely

The stew I made was warm, filling and
wonderful flavour!
I must admit I love a good beef stew!

 

I used this recipe
but added more red wine, more beef broth,
simmered it at a higher rate to save time
and was liberal with the dried thyme and basil.
It was lovely
and just in time for cool autumn weather!
I cooked it in Mr. Husband's Dutch oven.
*
For those worried about the acidity found in tomatoes,
this was a great recipe also!
Of course easy to also make GF by using
GF all purpose flour,
for those who are seeking for GF ideas.