MONDAY101226

Mondays are usually pinto beans and corn bread day, but today I am changing it up a bit and making a big pot of hearty beef stew!

Many years ago when I was a young mother with a new baby, a kind neighbor brought me a bowl of stew for dinner. It was so good, that I immediately ran over and begged her for the recipe. It has been a favorite in my family ever since.

If you try it, be sure to use all the different spices exactly as they are in the recipe to get the full benefit of it’s unique flavor.

Vero’s English Brown Stew

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons fat (any type)
2 pounds beef chuck, cut in large cubes
1 large onion, sliced
1 clove garlic
4 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 bay leaves
Pinch of allspice
Carrots and Potatoes (No definite amounts given. Put in as many or few as you like) I just throw some in until it looks like enough to feed the family.
A little corn starch and water (Adjust this to your liking)

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat fat in a large heavy saucepan. (I use a six quart dutch oven)
Brown meat on all sides. Add water and spices.
Simmer 2 hours.
Add vegetables, and cook until they are tender.
Add corn starch to a small amount of water and stir into the stew to thicken the juices.



ULTIMATE BLT

BLTs are one of the most popular sandwiches in the world.

Here’s how to make the perfect one!

Start with four strips of a good quality bacon.
Place them in a large, non-stick skillet in basket weave pattern.
Fry until crisp but not burned!

BIRTHDAY CAKE

Friday is Gina’s birthday!
21 years old! Can you believe!!!

Her favorite cake is carrot cake so that’s what I will be making her for a birthday cake.

Probably nothing fancy, just in a 9×13 pan with tons of cream cheese frosting.

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The following recipe is one I have posted before, and is a little more elaborate, but well worth the effort if you should decide to try it.

I have had this recipe since the mid-50s. It is very different from carrot cakes made in recent years. I hope you like it!

Cook’s note: be sure to use BLACK walnuts or you won’t get the same product.

DOUGHNUTS

From my kitchen.

INGREDIENTS

2 packs yeast
1/3 cup warm water 105 to 115 F.
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/3 cup butter softened
5 cups all-purpose flour
Oil for frying
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GLAZE
1/2 cup butter melted
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 to 7 tablespoons evaporated milk.

Combine lukewarm water and yeast in large mixer bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Heat milk and let cool to lukewarm.

Add milk, sugar, salt, eggs, butter and 2 cups of flour to yeast mixture. Mix for 2 minutes at medium speed. Add remaining 3 cups of flour.

Form dough into a ball, cover and let rise 2 hours.

Roll dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut out doughnuts. Fry in hot oil turning once, until golden brown.

Roll in glaze. (or other coating of your choice)