nicki's winter stew

I mentioned making stew for my mom the other day and with the cold weather, many of you thought it sounded so good. It is, it is!

Nicki is one of my oldest and dearest friends. I've known her since I was 16 I think and from the earliest days of our friendship, everything I ever tried at home, I always thought, "Would Nicki do this? How would she do it? Can I do it?" I didn't even know what a dinner party was until I went to one of hers. A remarkable entertainer, stylist, seamstress, homemaker, baker and cook, she could make a humble dish like stew the most elegant entree ever. And it was. Over the years, Nicki contributed recipes to our craft books, became an amazing food stylist and went on to be the food editor at the magazine. We got together in STL and I told her that I made her stew for mom, that it was such a favorite at our house still. Originally her recipe, here is my adapted version of the most delightful stew you will ever make. Serve it in a big bowl with pasta or couscous or rice beneath. A green salad and a rustic bread (or corn bread) and that's it.

2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1" pieces

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 1/2 cups dry red wine

1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 cup beef or chicken broth

1 large onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons bouquet garni or other favorite seasonings

salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 green pepper, 1/2 red pepper, cut into strips

1 cup sliced carrots or mushrooms

1/2 cup dried apricots, halved

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup black olives, sliced

In a Dutch oven over medium heat brown the meat. Pour off liquid. Add wine, tomatoes with juice, broth, onion, garlic, bouquet garni, salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for a few hours until the meat is tender. Add green and red pepper, carrots (mushrooms, if desired), apricots, raisins, olives. Simmer covered for about 30 minutes more. Serve it over egg noodles, farfalle, couscous or rice. Most important ingredient is the dried fruit which tenderizes the meat and adds a hint of sweetness.

Comments

[clarice]

This looks really yummy Charlotte. I love the dried fruit and olives. I will have to try it. Clarice

[nel]

Sounds absolutely delicious! Will put this one on file for winter. Love the photo...Nel

[Laurie]

Stew...yum. I posted a stew recipe this week, too!

[Renee]

This sounds great - the most fabulous recipes are found on blogs! Thank you Charlotte. Renee x

[Lorraine]

I can't wait to try your recipe - I was getting bored with the ho-hum beef one that I've used for years.

-- btw, just found your blog and am much enjoying it :-)

[Nonnie]

Sounds delicious. I often make stew but I'll have to give this a go with the addition of the dried fruit.

[~vicki]

Great recipe--must try it. The fruit really appeals to me, I put raisins in my meatballs and love the contrasting flavors, so this must be similar. It's that sweet/savory thing.

Glad your mama is feeling better too. She sounds like quite a gal. Love her spirit!

Your trip to PE Island--dreamy!

---I confess...just read all four post entries at once...I'm catching up now. :o)

We are also HUGE fans of Anne of GG. Love her, and have all the movies and sequels, and books. "Tales of Avonlea" is also a favorite, filmed on the island as well.

Lovely daughters and heart-shaped rocks...perfect!!

[Rona]

I so enjoy cooking with wine. It makes dishes just pop!

I enjoyed my visit thanks to turkey blues for providing a link to your blog.