Dust off the Crock Pot

Back to school time is always busy. I have two active kids at home with very hectic schedules. I’m running to games, getting them to practices and helping out with homework so it’s tough to find time to make healthy meals. I’ve come to rely on my crock pot to keep everyone eating well. It’s so easy and there’s nothing like coming home to the smells of a hot meal cooking.
Here’s my favorite Beef Stew recipe…
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless beef cut for stew
Pan Searing Flour
2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
2 slices Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon, cut in 1/4-inch strips
1 pkg (40 oz) Stew Vegetables (set aside potatoes)
6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups red wine
4 cups Beef Culinary Stock
2 bay leaves
4 Tbsp Tomato Paste
2 Tbsp Herbes de Provence
Instructions
Dust beef with pan-searing flour.
Heat oil on MEDIUM in large braising pan. Add beef; brown, turning to brown all sides, 8-10 min. Remove beef; place in slow cooker. Add bacon to pan and cook until crisp; set aside. Discard all but 1 Tbsp drippings from pan.Add stew vegetables (minus potatoes) to pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, 4-5 min.
Stir in all-purpose flour. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits on bottom of pan. Cook 3-5 min, until liquid is reduced by one-third, to a syrupy consistency. Add broth; bring to simmer.
Pour broth mixture over beef in cooker. Add potatoes, bacon, bay leaves, tomato paste, and herbes; stir slightly.Cover; cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours or LOW 7-9 hours. Transfer beef and vegetable to serving platter. Discard bay leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over beef; serve.
It's also great idea to have cut fruits and vegetables in the fridge for snacking or cooking. I bring a fruit and a veggie arrangement home with me every week. http://www.fruitfreshup.com/catalog.asp?prodid=593019
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Nobody’s going hungry this year!