Suzie’s Stew

It’s stew time!! Don’t you just love those one pot meals that you let cook all day. It smells so good and let’s you know what’s coming for dinner. I love the way it makes my whole house smell (it’s like a stew air freshener….hey, I’d buy it).

2-3 Pounds Beef Round or Chuck

5 Red Potatoes

1 Large Onion

1  Pound of Baby Carrots

2 Cups of Red Wine

2 Cups of Low Sodium Beef Stock (or chicken stock)

Water (to fill the rest of the pot)

2 Tbs of Canola Oil

2 Tbs of Smoked Paprika

2 Tbs of Onion Powder

2 Tbs Garlic Powder

1 Tbs Italian Seasoning

1 Tbs Cayenne (optional)

1 Tbs Salt

1 Tbs Pepper

This is a perfect meal to make in a dutch oven or crockpot and it feeds a crowd (or just me and my hubby…can you say leftovers…yay!) This stew also reheats so easily the next day, and lasts for a few days in the fridge.

First chop all of the veggies into large pieces and put aside. Next chop the meat into medium size cubes. You need a strong arm for this (it’s how I get my arm exercises for the day), you can ask your butcher to do this for you if you would like. Then season the meat liberally on both sides (Make It Rain!…don’t be skimpy)!

Drizzle canola oil into the pot and heat up to high. Toss the meat into the pot for just a few minutes to get the outside nice and brown. I usually brown them in two separate batches. Take the meat out of the pot and add in the veggies. Brown them also for a few minutes. Then add in the wine (some in the pot and some in my mouth…yes please!) Here is where you can scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release all of those bits of FLAVOR. Return the meat back to the pot. Let it go for a few minutes then add in the stock. Fill the rest with water till it reaches the top of the mixture. Once it comes to a boil lower the heat to low and let simmer for 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Take a peak here and there to see if you need to add a little more water.

Now it’s time to just sit back and enjoy that delicious aroma (my favorite part). Once it’s ready, serve in a bowl with some crackers. It goes great with a glass of wine (also my favorite part 😉 ).

Happy Flavoring!

Chicken and Veggie Spaghetti

This recipe is so easy and full of FLAVOR! It’s  perfect for using up all of your leftover veggies at the end of the week.

2 Servings of 100% Whole Wheat Spaghetti

1 Chicken Breast (chopped)

1 Zucchini (chopped)

1/2 Green Bell Pepper (sliced into strips)

1 Cup of Tomato Sauce

1 Tbs Canola Oil

1 Tbs Salt

1 Tbs Pepper

1 Tbs Garlic Powder

1 Tbs Onion Powder

1/2 Tbs Italian Seasoning

1/2 Tbs Cayenne Pepper

Preheat the oven to 425°. Season the chicken on both sides with half of the seasoning. Adjust the FLAVORS of the seasoning according to preference. Place on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for 20 minutes, flip halfway through. (I usually cook a few chicken breasts to save in the freezer for later in the week, it’s a huge timesaver…shh, don’t tell anyone, it’ll be our little secret 😉 ). Insert a digital thermometer to see if the chicken is done, it should read 165°.

In the meantime, boil your pasta according to the box instructions. Chop all of your veggies and toss in a skillet with the other half of the seasoning and the canola oil. (This is the best part, you can use whatever veggies you have on hand…see, Suzie’s here for you to make it easy 😉 ). Turn the heat up high to brown them slightly, then finish cooking on medium low heat until they are cooked through. See that brown coloring…that is where the FLAVOR is…mmmm!

Add the tomato sauce to the veggies. Cube your finished chicken into bite size pieces and toss in with the veggie mixture. Give it a stir, then serve on a bed of cooked pasta. How easy was that?! (Just don’t tell my husband). Dinner is served!

Happy Flavoring!