Stew Season, Bitches!

Today the new Michael Chabon book came out, who is one of my favorites. I can't actually read this book until i finish the other two books i'm half way through (personal rules), but for some reason i still had to buy it today. Also i wanted to check out the bookstore up the street from my work, so bam. Then i walked back through the park, and i came up with a book called: Tuesday in the Park with Lauren (how original). It's basically just writing down my random thought process as I walk from one side of the park to the other, with some brief bench sitting action. Some spoilers are: The recipe for beef stew (no way!) and whether my parent's cat misses me when i'm away (i think yes, though she'll never admit it).

I'm dedicating this to Phil because he's a blog inspiration and my best friend (second to Harvey). And so i now present to you: BEEF STEW!

Because it's that time again folks! Also because LK texted me and was like... You should make stew for dinner. I would totally buy all the stuff and make it, but you're home way before me, so it just makes sense. Also make sure it has a ton of carrots. She did offer to bring home some really nice wine though, so cest la vie! 

So i called up nanc for some tips. Now i know what you're thinking, "You dad makes beef stew everyday during the winter, why wouldn't you ask him?" Well, the majority of my dad's recipes come from 3 places: Yiayia, my mom, and Old El Paso. Also mom picked up the phone first, so i just asked. 

Ingredients:

 According to Nanc you can use beef broth, but Pappas's usually just use water, because it develops enough flavor, and is official home made (OHM: for those in the know). You don't hAVe to use bacon, but why wouldn't you (that's how Julia did it). So chop some bacon and onions and let them sautee (which is probably the best scent known to man).

Mix some flour with salt and pepper and flour your meat! You can use stew meat or steak tips, or chop up some rump. Steak tips cook faster, but the other two are cheaper, so do what you will.

Throw them in the pot and brown all sides:

 What magic. Next: Wine (that's good, but not too good).

 Add the wine, and pour a little for the home team.

Add some water, bring to a simmer, cover, and wait. Forever.

I had a snack in the meantime, because i forgot to eat today. It's aged gouda and chianti salami, which might be a little bit of a faux pas, but no one here gives a fuck (me).

Then the meat will start to easily come apart. Cool. Add some potatoes and carrots because they're delicious. Cook until cooked (40min? less if cut small). Through in some frozen peas at the end if you're game (i forgot that part). Then:

Wha-la! It's fucking fall!