t-shirts. This week Old Man Winter is obviously taking a break just when I was gearing up for a cold front. I wanted beef stew for dinner. There's nothing better on a cold wintry night than curling up with a tummy full of stew, a hot cup of tea, and a good movie.
Beef stew is one of those dishes that plays well with others, meaning that it can be made ahead and reheated. It can be made in a crock pot, for those with limited time. It can be canned and put into your food storage. It is the ultimate comfort food, not just eating it, but making it can also be a comfort. Stew is forgiving of those who are new to cooking. You can add almost anything and it still taste respectable. Stew can feed one or a family, and usually without great expense, especially if you are of the gardening persuasion. It is versatile, and allows for creativity and variety. It can be served over rice, pasta noodles, or some other grain base. And last, but not least, you can opt to include dumplings if you want to dress it up just a little.
Old Man Winter will be back, and he will be hungry when he gets here! I'll make extra! Stews on!
Now on to the recipe!
First, let me tell you about the recipe. It comes from a vintage cook booklet, Favorite Recipes for Country Kitchens, from General Mills, published in 1945. I love these sweet little booklets for all the genuinely "made from scratch", home cooked dishes. I also love the art work on the cover! Why can't things be this way again? So pretty and so nostalgic! When I dream, this is what I see.
