CROCK POT BEEF STEW

3 lbs. stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 large onions, sliced
1/2 lb. large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch thick coins
3 large potatoes, in 1-inch cubes
4 garlic cloves, minced
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons flour (or enough to coat meat)
garlic and onion powder (for sprinkling)
1 quart beef stock

Be sure your Crock-Pot doesn't boil; it should simmer lightly. Boiling will make the beef stringy and dry, will ruin the flavor of the broth and make the vegetables mushy - the results will be like stew from a can.

Sprinkle the beef cubes lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and flour for extra flavor during browning.When using a Crock-Pot for beef stew, for extra flavor, brown the floured beef cubes in olive oil before transferring them to the Crock-Pot. Brown onions and add garlic towards the end of the browning but don't allow it to take on too much color. In a Crock-pot, add all the vegetables at the beginning; set the Crock-Pot to 170-190°F and leave to cook from 5-8 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.
If using a Dutch oven, add the vegetables during the last 35 minutes of cooking and simmer until tender. Add a few tablespoons of flour at the same time to thicken the gravy, if desired. The gravy may also be thickened by stirring a a tablespoon or so of cornstarch into cold water before adding to the stew. Be sure to allow ample time for the thickener to cook before serving time to avoid a raw flour taste.
Extra vegetables can be added if you have them on hand. Turnips, corn, sweet potatoes, fresh peas and green beans are all wonderful additions. A pinch of thyme and basil and bay leaf can be added, too.
This stew tastes even better the following day after the flavors have a chance to blend in the refrigerator.

The Real Scoop
by Andrew
This was good, but it had peas in it.  However, it was better than regular roast and potatoes.

Kale Chips

You have to reeealy like kale to enjoy this one.

Loosely wash, pat dry, and chop some kale into potato chip sized pieces.  I cut out all of the hard pieces, too.

Lay in one layer on two cookie sheets.
Admire the beauty.

Sprinkle with olive oil and salt (to taste).




Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes--till crispy.

These go bad within hours, so serve immediately.




The Real Scoop
by Andrew
These may be pretty, but do not let this fool you.  These are not fit for man nor beast.  Eeeew!

Chicken Pot Pie

I got this recipe from Trisha Yearwood's new cooking show.  I'm not sure I like the show because she doesn't always give the quantities of ingredients and she seems to be trying too hard.  I'll give her one more week.

This recipe was YUMMY.  Very filling comfort food.  It would have been better on a cold winter day, and unfortunately, it was 612 degrees here tonight. 

Now for the recipe:

Combine and boil till potatoes are done:
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup diced potatoes
1 cup frozen peas

While veggies are cooking, mix together:
1 1/2 cups of diced chicken
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
1/2 minced onion
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. celery seed
1 3/4 chicken stock (or chicken broth)

Drain veggies and add to gravy mixture.  When thick and bubbly, add 1 1/4 cup of milk.

After it bubbles again, pour mixture into an unbaked pie crust.  Top with another pie crust, and cut a few holes in the top.

Brush top crust with egg wash to prevent it from burning.

Bake at 425 degrees till crust is done, about 30 minutes.

Serve with cucumbers, biscuits or whatever!

If I were to do this again, I would make it with no chicken.  I know it's chicken pot pie, but I didn't like it.  The original recipe was meatless, and I think I'll stick with that plan, much to the horror of the boys in the house.  Ok...ok...I will most likely make two small ones.  We all win that way.

The Real Scoop
by Andrew
This had waaaaaay too many peas.  Keep the meat.  Lose the peas.