Thursday, October 29, 2009

Cider Braised Beef and Vegetables plus my little Witchy Poo

Are you ready for Halloween?????
Tights, check.
Little Black Bloomers (just in case she wants to do a cartwheel when little warlocks are around). Check.
Pointed black hat. Check.
The dress. Check.
The apron. Check.
The cape. Check.
Double-sided, of course. Check.
One happy little Witchy Poo. Check.
One tired mother. Check, check, check, check.
But it's all been fun, and I'm all set to go. I've even got a simple and hearty Halloween dinner planned. I spotted this braised beef on the October Cooking Light cover. Why not chili, you wonder? Frankly, we've been eating chili all month long, so this looked like just the perfect unexpected Halloween dinner, the kind of dinner that could slice through a trick or treat chill. I've made it just as they recommended in Cooking Light, except I swapped out the beer for cider and a tablespoon of cider vinegar. The meaty juices had just a hint of autumn sweetness. I think you're really going to like this one.
We're gearing up for our big neighborhood Hallween party. I can't decide if I will dress as Hermione or Little Red Riding Hood. I've convinced the Quiet man to be a mad scientist. He already has the lab coat and goggles. What about you? Are you dressing up? How will you be spending the evening? However you pass the spookiest night of the year, I hope it is safe and happy for all.
Cooking Light Braised Beef and Vegetables
Estimated Cost: about $10.oo for four servings
Tips: Ask your butcher to cut a 1-pound roast for you, or buy a larger one (especially if it's on sale) and freeze the rest for later.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil1 (1-pound) boneless chuck roast, trimmed
1 teaspoon salt,
divided1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup fat-free, less-sodium beef broth
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 (12-ounce) dark beer (I used 1 cup cider plus 1 tablespoon cider vinegar)
1 bay leaf
3 carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick slices
9 ounces small turnips, peeled and cut into wedges
1 medium onion, peeled and cut into wedges
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1. Preheat oven to 300°.
2. Place flour in a shallow dish. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle beef evenly on all sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; dredge in flour. Add beef to pan; cook 10 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Add broth and next 3 ingredients (through bay leaf), scraping pan to remove browned bits; bring to a boil. Cover and bake at 300° for 1 1/2 hours. Add carrots; cover and cook 25 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, turnips, and onion; cover and cook an additional 1 hour and 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender and beef is fork-tender.
3. Remove beef and vegetables from pan; discard bay leaf. Cover beef mixture; keep warm. Let cooking liquid stand 10 minutes. Place a zip-top plastic bag inside a 2-cup glass measure. Pour cooking liquid into bag; let stand 10 minutes (fat will rise to the top). Seal bag; carefully snip off 1 bottom corner of bag. Drain cooking liquid into a medium bowl, stopping before fat layer reaches opening; discard fat. Serve cooking liquid with beef and vegetables. Sprinkle each serving with 1 tablespoon parsley.Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 3 ounces beef, 1 cup vegetables, and about 1/2 cup cooking liquid)CALORIES 383 ; FAT 19.7g (sat 6g,mono 9.1g,poly 2.2g); CHOLESTEROL 70mg; CALCIUM 68mg; CARBOHYDRATE 21g; SODIUM 815mg; PROTEIN 24.4g; FIBER 3.6g; IRON 2.9mg
Post Edit: I almost forgot to unabashedly solicit votes for my French's recipe. My goal is to get to 500 votes. I'm almost there, so vote again Friday and Saturday and help your old Pru get to New York. Thanks and here's the link.
Next Up:
Spinach and Apple Salad with Cheddar, Pecans, and Maple Dressing

26 comments:

Signs and Salvage said...

Oh so sweet....I LOVE your little witchy poo!!! She is delightful...and you are amazing!! Happy Halloween!!!

Sara said...

I've been reading your blog for a long time, so I'm sorry my comment isn't on some of your delicious food. I just had to say that after seeing some pictures of other Halloween costumes it is SO refreshing to see an adorable and age appropriate costume this year! Your little witch looks adorable and I'm sure she'll always remember how much hard work you put into it- kudos to you for being "that" Mom. Mine was too. :)

Seth and Julie said...

Oh that witch is just the cutest! How pitiful my store bought costumes look now. It looks like you inherited our great grandmother's gift. I was wondering who got it because it sure wasn't me.

Also, now that you fessed up to knowing how to make brown bag apple pie, can you post it some time...pretty please?

Katy ~ said...

Your wee one is certainly the prettiest witch on the block.

Carmen S. said...

What an awesome costume, love the detail!

Prudy said...

Teeny:
What a kind, kind comment! Thanks so much for being a reader and for taking the time to make my day!

Tanji said...

You are so stinkin' amazing Miss Prudy! I am always in awe of you and your amazing ability to get so much done and be so fun!! This year I'll be something extra clever. . . barefoot and pregnant (11 days to go). Someone suggested a pregnant nun . . . hilarious, but not so great as the YW president running the fishing booth at the trunk-or-treat. :) Thanks for the yummy recipes!

Prudy said...

Oh, Tanji, I've missed this whole pregnancy (along with the four others). What are you having? I wish I could see you Barefoot and Prego at the Fishing Booth. Or at least I wish I could bring you dinner. Move closer, would ya?

Adrienne said...

I think that witch hat is the Kewwwetest. I've heard of braised beef but never made it, I think I'll give it a try. Sounds good. I voted again, I'll be crossing my fingers for you Prudy!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

SUCH a darling Halloween costume!! Love it!! And I love the hearty chili :)

Leslie said...

Such a cute costume.
Every year I love to see what you're going to sew.
It really turned out cute.

Familia Henao said...

Aunt Erin

I still have a cape just like that one from when I was little and my Mom had me made a witch costume. It almost looks like the same print too. Sailor will cherish that forever. Your hard work has paid off. I still love my cape. And of course every Halloween I still tie it around my neck for fun memories. Those pictures of Kenzie dressed as Snow White reminded me SOOO much of Sailor from when she was a little. Have a Happy Halloween. We miss you guys!

Love,

Courtney

Fantastic Mr. R said...

Oh if only our sewing Professor could see you now...I'm sure she would change our grades :). If not you could always try poking her with a pin. (haha).
I love the costume and the stew was so delicious. Remember Mikey wouldn't let there be any leftovers??
Thanks for the fun and inspiring post.
When do we get to see Indiana Jones?

The JR said...

What a great costume. Such a beautiful little girl. Great memories for all of you.

Allie said...

She's sooooo cute!! Love the outfit and all the details!

Andrea said...

That costume is absolutely wonderful! Maybe someday I will try out my new sewing machine (3 years ago) that has never come out of the box.

The Blonde Duck said...

Prudy, you outdid yourself. That costume is amazing!!!

Michal said...

sailor is an adorable witch-- the mary engelbrecht look really worked out! great job on the costume. my mom made my kids' costumes (as usual.) one of these days i really need to learn how to sew:)

we are gearing up for our party that is a copy of your family's halloween open house. and i'll think of you as i make your chili recipe that is now our halloween chili. love to all!

Autryville said...

Woman, do you sleep?

I believe I've posted before, so hopefully not too strange for you to know that a stranger thinks you're amazing! That costume is the sweetest ever! It's all I can do to feed my children, do laundry, and vacuum the occasional carpet. Whew!

Enjoy the day!

Aunt Spicy said...

STOP IT! You are killing me! That has got to be the most detailed, amazing outfit ever! I am sending a link to my mom and SIL, they are going to be smitten with it!

Pamela said...

Just voted for you at French's! Sounds like a tasty recipe. Your daughter looks divine and I'm gonna be totally jealous if you made that costume! Too much.

The Nielsen's said...

Prudy, I used your Jekyl and Mr. Hyde cookies for a Halloween blast! They were wonderful! I added a package of vanilla pudding to make them stay soft and they were the hit of the party! Thanks for the recipie!!

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Thanks for the recipe! Delicious, my family loved it and especially my mother who loves stews!
Pretty Witch costume is lovely

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