Beef Stew with Cuban bread

OK, This is really a winter food but I had the ingredients and wanted to use up the fresh veggies my mom gave me from her garden. Beef stew is usually pretty explanatory and most people know how to make up. Here's how I make mine complete with homemade seasoning!

First I use 2lbs of stew meat because my hubby really loves the meat. I also put in extra veggies because I love the veggies! I coat the meat in flour and fry up until it's a little brown. I stick that in the crock pot. Then I cut up my veggies which are usually, one large onion, 5 medium potatoes, 5 medium carrots, and 2 stalks of celery but you can really use whatever you want.

Next is the recipe for beef stew seasoning.

Beef Stew Seasoning
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsps oregano
2 Tbs basil
4 Tbs salt (you can adjust this. I usually put in 3ish)
4 Tbs black pepper (same as above!)
4 Tbs paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2 Tbs celery salt
4 Tbs onion powder
2 tsp rosemary

Directions:
Mix all ingredients well in a bowl. Pour into a jar or container with tight fitting lid.
To use:
Add 2-3 Tbs per 2lbs of meat.

I know it seems like you are using a lot of spices but this lasts for quite a while and can be used for beef stew and I use it for seasoning roasts as well!





For some reason it didn't thicken up like it normally does. I think I added too much water (3 cups) and then all the water from the veggies made iit more watery! Still delicious. Just not as thick.


I also love Cuban bread because it is a fairly easy bread to make. There is no preheating needed and it ony takes about 1.5hrs from start until it's hot and ready on your table. If it still seems like too much work I highly reccommend Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. It truly is an easy way to make bread with NO KNEADING!!

Cuban Bread
Ingredients:
5-6 cups all-purpose flour (you can also substitute 1-2 cups of whole-wheat. That's what I do)
2 Tbs dr yeast
2 Tbs sugar
1 Tbs salt
2 cups hot water (120-130 degrees)
1 Tbs sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:
Mix 4 cups of the flour with the yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in hot water nd beat 100 strokes or 3 min with mixer (with dough hooks). Put the remaining flour (one cup at a time) on a flat surface. Knead in flour until it is no longer sticky. Knead 8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a warm, damp towel. Let rise 15 minutes. Punch down. Divide into two pieces. Shape into two round loaves, and pace on a greased baking sheet. Cut an X 1/2 inch deep on top with a sharp knife. Brush with milk and sprinkle with seeds. (optional) Place in the middle shelf of a cold oven. Place a cake pan of hot water on the lowest shelf. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake 35-45 minutes until deep golden brown.