Good beef stew can be one of the most homey and comforting dishes to enjoy on a chilly winter night. But making good beef stew can be a challenge. Somehow, it seems no matter what you do, the stew tastes pretty much the same. Like beef, carrots and brown gravy. This recipe solves that issue. A bottle of inexpensive rich, tangy balsamic vinegar adds such snap to the finished … [Read more...] about Balsamic Beef Stew with Pearl Onions
Beef
Cheeseburger Quiche
My family ate together almost every night when I was growing up. We sat at a little table for four in the den; the table came from a restaurant that was once on the property when my grandparents bought their farm lock, stock and barrel. My mom cooked mostly, sometimes my dad, sometimes me as I got older. Never my brother as I remember, though he is a good cook now. The meals … [Read more...] about Cheeseburger Quiche
Bourbon Grilled Flat-Iron Steak with Southern Bacon Bourbon Butter
When I was a teenager, I loved to entertain (I still do). I thought I was a real gourmet, because I knew how to cook – no help from my mom. We used to have other families for dinner, and sometimes I’d have dinner parties for friends. My favorite meal was flank steak in teriyaki marinade. I probably served it 100 times, never thinking that the guests … [Read more...] about Bourbon Grilled Flat-Iron Steak with Southern Bacon Bourbon Butter
Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)
My introduction to this French country dish was, oddly, in London. And the first time I had it, I had never heard of it. Since my graduate school days, I have made an annual pilgrimage to London, extending the trip each year, to spend enough time to settle in and not feel rushed or overwhelmed. Sure, I go to museums and historical sights and see friends, but my main focus, … [Read more...] about Hachis Parmentier (French Cottage Pie)
Bobotie (South African Curried Beef and Lamb Casserole)
In my family, when we travel, we all have assignments. Subjects to learn about, information to share with the group. Yes, homework for vacation. Laugh all you want, but it has made for some really interesting trips. I am generally given the topic of food. I search out restaurants, food customs, typical local fare and markets. And the training of my … [Read more...] about Bobotie (South African Curried Beef and Lamb Casserole)
