Beef Stew

Anyone else have a December bucket list?  You're probably not surprised by the fact that I've had my December bucket list written down since September.  What might surprise you though is that there isn't a single baking task on that list.  Oh, I'll be doing lots of baking and filling my share of catering orders this month but those tasks didn't make it onto my bucket list.  I enjoy holiday baking - probably more than most - but that's not what I want to look back and reflect on at the end of the month.  On the contrary, my bucket list is filled with "togetherness tasks".  Doing things that focus on creating lifelong memories with the people that I love.    

"So what's on your bucket list?"  Thanks for asking.  ;) 
*Taking a family hike through the woods with the dog on a crisp, cool afternoon.  *Sled riding and a snow ball fight.  (Generally playing in the snow.)  
*Coffee dates with friends so we can catch up over hot peppermint lattes. 
*Annual phone calls to friends that live far away. 
​I'll spare you from reading through my entire list because it's quite long but you get the idea.  

Sacrificing some of the things that I do on a regular basis to make more time for my bucket list goals is key to accomplishing my list.  Spending time with family and friends is far more important than having clean baseboards anyway.  I've tried to simplify dinners this month to make more efficient use of my time.  Hearty soups, stews and make ahead casseroles are my jam this month.   

This beef stew was a big hit with my family and it saved me a TON of time in dinner prep.  I put it together in a jiffy and tossed it in the oven for a couple of hours - freeing me up to do other things.  December bucket list things!!

Beef Stew
1 Tablespoon oil
2 1/2 pound chuck roast, cut into 1 1/2" pieces
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 yellow onions, sliced
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
4 garlic cloves, smashed
28 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
2 cups red wine
2 cups beef broth
​1 bunch fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
1 3/4 cups pearled onions
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper.  

Heat oil in dutch oven.  Add beef and brown on all sides.  

Transfer beef to a plate.  

Add onions and carrots to pan.  Cook 10 minutes.  

Add garlic and cook 1 minute. 

Stir in tomatoes, wine, broth, thyme, bay and beef.  Bring to a boil. 

Cover pan.  Bake 2 hours at 275 or until beef is tender. ​Spray skillet with cooking spray.  Add mushrooms and cook until browned.(5 minutes)  Stir mushrooms, onions and vinegar into beef mixture.  Cook 15 minutes.  Remove bay and thyme and serve. 

Serve. 

Anyone else have a December bucket list?  I want to hear about your traditions and the special things that you do this month.  What are the the things that you do to make December more meaningful?  

Ciao!

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