This week’s Dark Days Eat Local Challenge meal was beef stew.
I’m loving cooking with the Dutch oven. I bought it to accompany my Julia Child cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, but find myself using it for meals that are neither French nor Dutch. It’s perfect for meals that begin with a sear and sauté on the stove top, then go slow and low in the oven (like Osso Buco and short ribs). While the food’s in the oven, the smells that emanate throughout the house seem to say, “It’s cold and miserable out there, but comfy-cozy in here. Eat this and warm up.”
Here’s this week’s food sources:
- stew beef from New Boston Beef in N. Grosvenordale, CT
- dredging flour from Wild Hive Farm
- bacon grease, reserved from Greyledge Farm bacon
- onions from Shenandoah, Easton, CT
- garlic from Holbrook Farm
- tomato puree from Don Taylor Farms, Danbury, CT (from the Late Bloomers 2009 freezer collection)
- Vista Reposa red wine from McLaughlin Vineyards
- cranberry potatoes from Maple Bank Farm
- carrots and celeriac from Riverbank Farm
- dried thyme from here
- bay leaf — local from a NY farm
- beef broth, salt, and pepper from away
Since there are potatoes in there, you don’t need to serve it with a carb, but it really does go well over fettuccine noodles. I’ve also seen it served in a bread bowl. I suppose having it over fettuccine with dipping bread on the side would be pushing it.
Of course, a glass of McLaughlin Vineyards Vista Reposa wine compliments the dish rather nicely.
It’s snowing here again so your picture of Beef Stew it the spot.
I use my old cast iron dutch oven for eveything..food just tastes better. I wanted to let you know that my chickens will be here next Sunday. We’re finishing the coop today. It’s moveable,plus I plan on using a moveable fence for them to roam in. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ginger: Is that you?!! I’m very excited that you’re getting chickens. Are these for eggs or meat? Keep me posted on their development.
I love my cast iron dutch oven. Nicely seasoned, and I get a workout whenever I use it. 🙂
LOL Biblio! I’m thinking of having a hoist installed in my kitchen!