Week in Review

     Last week's menu worked out well for our busy schedule.  Each night I was able to have a hearty, healthy meal on the table with little time or effort.  Permit me to highlight the Miner's Spiced Kettle of Beef recipe for you.  It's a variation on the beef stew theme and provides a warming kick on a chilly Winter's day.

Miner's Spiced Kettle of Beef

2 lbs boneless beef chuck, cubed                                3 cups canned tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup flour                                                                   2 cups diced carrots

1 Tbsp salt                                                                       1 cup diced celery

1/2 tsp pepper                                                                3 cups diced potatoes

1/2 tsp smoky paprika                                                  1 cup frozen peas, thawed

2 Tbsp vegetable oil                                                      1 tsp sugar

1 cup chopped onion                                                     2 tsp salt

6 cups water                                                                   1/4 tsp pepper

Garni: 1 clove & 1 tsp pickling spice in cloth           3 Tbsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold
                                                                                            water

     Dredge beef cubes in mixture of flour, salt, pepper and paprika.  Brown in oil on all sides in a large heavy kettle.  Add onion and brown lightly.  Add water and garni.  Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.  Add vegetables and seasonings.  Simmer uncovered 30 minutes or until potatoes are done.  Blend some of the hot gravy into the cornstarch mixture and stir into stew until thick.

Serves 8 to 10

     If you'd also like the recipe for the Greek Spiced Baked Shrimp just click on to the link.  It was great served over some rice on Tuesday evening.

     N.B.  If you checked in to Friday's post in the morning, please take another look.  I revised it later in the day and made a few corrections, as well as adding a link to an interesting video on making shoo fly pie!