Comfort Food

I've been fighting this cough that's going around. If anyone tells me how good my cough is sounding, I'll tell them good; I've been practicing all night! It could be a whole lot worse, and probably would be if I didn't get the flu shot. I was desperately in need of a little TLC today, and that includes comfort food. So after I dragged myself out of bed at NOON (now you know I'm not feeling well; I never sleep in like that!) I hit the stove. I have to tell you this has got to be the best beef stew I've ever made. I think one of the problems I often have is I try to make a huge batch and then it doesn't get mixed enough or catches bottom or is out of proportion or something. This small batch turned out just right. Of course I made it up as I went, so I'm going to write it down here in case I try to remember how I made it one day down the road. I made it from things I had on hand, but if I were shopping for it I'd add some fresh button mushrooms.

Comfort Stew:

1 lb lean ground beef
Montreal steak spice
4 potatoes, scrubbed and diced
10 baby carrots, chopped
1/4 red pepper, chopped
1/4 green pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup red wine
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp Bisto gravy mix

Brown the ground beef. While beef is browning mix the Bisto mix with the red wine and water. When beef is cooked season it with the Montreal steak spice and add the liquids. Stir and heat through. Then add all the veggies except the peas; add them about halfway through the cooking time. Cook covered at a simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring often. Serve with fresh buns. And wine. ;)

Whew! That was a lot of work typing that up. I think I'd better go get another serving.