Sorry, just wanted your attention. Actually I don't, but Alfie does. Not surprisingly after being abandoned in the apt from Weds-Sat, she went crazy upon my return. Not bad behavior mind you, just a kitten that loves people and attention behavior. Thankfully she's asleep for the first time in 24 hours right now, on my chest, so hopefully my typing will not wake the beast.
I had hoped to present some lovely things from my journey home, as it has been more than a few weeks since my last real post, but alas I was too lazy to take pictures of anything worth while during my trip. However, two creations to come in mind that I should share.
BEER STEW
My brother mocks this creation, but my dad, sister, and family dog all enjoyed it, so I must be onto something. This was my 2nd consecutive winter trip home where I made it, and this year was definitely an improvement. If you've got a few simple ingredients lying about, some beer, and it's frickin cold outside, this is your best friend.
-2 bottles of beer
-broth or stock
-veggies of your choosing
-meat of your choosing
-filler of your choosing
-salt and pepper
Really simple. I had vegetarian beef flavored broth on hand, so I made some in a large pot. When the broth was ready, I poured in a bottle of beer and brought it to a boil. I chopped up onions, potatoes, carrots, and a clove of garlic, and browned them in a pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper. When browned and a bit tender, I added the veggies to the liquid in the pot. I then diced some "stir fry" beef into small niblets, seasoned it with salt and pepper, and browned it in a pan. Added the beef to the stew mixture with some additional salt and pepper, and poured in another bottle of beer. I decided it was a bit too brothy and needed more veggies or something, so I went for the classic filler of barley. Added about a cup of barley. Let that cook on the stove for a while longer, and then put it in the oven, covered, for 45 minute at 350. Took it out, let it cool, and with a piece of bread and some oyster crackers, a winter delight. Interestingly, I found that the bitterness of the beer died out over night, so the stew had a distinctly different taste the following day. So, if less beer taste is your thing, refrigerate overnight and reheat the following day (or continue cooking at a super low heat).
SUPER CIDER
Hot apple cider is very popular right now. I've enjoyed it for years, but only this year did I find it a staple at every party I went to over the past 2 months. This is certainly not a bad thing, as the joys of a hot cider should be available to everyone. While back in Boston with the family my liquor collection was a bit different from what I normally have on it, but I made do with the ingredients, and a very simple and delicious cider was born. Most people I know will use mulling spices or simply the contents of orange tea bags etc, and add rum before drinking. I had neither mulling spices nor rum, but I did have-
-Apple cider
-Cinnamon Sugar
-Amaretto
-Brandy
Super easy and delicious. Heat the cider (microwave if your in a rush, but if you have the time bring it to a light boil on a stove top in a pot). Add about 3 spoonfulls of cinnamon sugar, but less if you aren't using much cider. Wait a few minutes for the spices to dissolve. Add in as much amaretto and brandy as you like (I tend to go with 1.5 oz of each per normal sized glass. Stir, and enjoy. Yum.
Ok thats it. This was clearly a reasonably uninspired post, but the first rule of blogging is blog or die, so here we are. Btw, Alfie is still asleep on my chest. Amazing + precious. Goodnight and Happy New Year.
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