Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Slow Cooker Beef Stew [slow cooker]

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of beef stew meet 1 inch cubed (usually can purchase pre cut at your grocery store)
12 baby carrots (or 4 medium carrots peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces)
4 white potatoes peeled and cut in chunks
1 onion peeled and quarters
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 cups of beef broth
1 cup of water
3 tbsp flour

To start brown meat in a skillet in oil until lightly brown on the out side (do not cook all the way through). This step can be skipped if desired, but browning the meat locks in the flavor. In the Crockpot layer carrots, potatoes, onions and browned meat, as a note you should always place your vegetables on the bottom of the Crockpot. Add the Worcestershire sauce, beef bullion and all of the spices (except flour). Pour in broth and water to cover the vegetables and meat. Cook on low temp for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. About 30 minutes before you are ready to eat, remove the bay leaves, mix together in a separate bowl the flour and about 1/3 cup of water, add to Crockpot and mix to thicken and make more of a gravy vice broth. Turn the Crockpot up to high and continue to cook an additional 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy.

A warm French bread, you can pick up at any grocery store or some dinner rolls go perfect with this stew.

When it comes to cooking with your Crockpot here are some hints. You can brown meat to lock in the flavors, if you choose not to add 30 minutes to your cooking time to ensure the meat is cooked through. Always place your vegetables on the bottom of the slow cooker so they cook properly. Never open the Crockpot to stir or taste, the heat will escape and you will have to add additional cooking time. The taste of spices are intensified because they cook off slowly, taste your meal 30 minutes before serving if it needs extra flavor add it at this point. And finally, if you need to cook your meal in a faster amount of time, place a piece of tin foil below the lid, it will reflect the heat back down on your meal and it will cook quicker.

Surprise your family with a hardy home cooked meal that makes it seam like you slaved all day in the kitchen. There are many recipes that are quick and easy to make, that will save you time and money and make you a super mom in the kitchen.

Find this recipe at:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Crockpot-Recipes---A-Busy-Moms-Life-Saver&id=1835323

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