Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Indulge in Cozy Comfort: Unlocking the Magic of Slow Cooker Beef Stew

As the temperatures drop, there's no better way to embrace the season than with a bowl of hearty slow cooker beef stew. In this blog post, we'll explore the art of slow cooking and share a mouthwatering recipe that promises both convenience and deliciousness. Get ready to elevate your comfort food game and create a culinary experience that's perfect for chilly nights and laid-back weekends.

Why Slow Cooker Beef Stew?

Discover the secret to unlocking the full potential of your slow cooker – transforming tough cuts of beef into succulent, flavorful perfection. With minimal effort, you can achieve a rich, savory stew that tantalizes the taste buds. Dive into the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, allowing you to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal without the fuss.

The key ingredients that elevate this slow cooker beef stew to culinary masterpiece status include:

• Quality Beef Chuck: This cut is well-marbled and, when slow-cooked, becomes fork-tender, infusing the stew with rich flavor.

• Flavourful Broth: A good-quality broth enhances the overall depth and savoury character of the dish.

• Red Wine: For an extra layer of complexity. Ust it to deglaze the pan after browning the beef. This step contributes a nuanced richness to the stew.

• Aromatics - Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide a flavourful base.

• Root Vegetables - Carrots and Potatoes: Add sweetness and heartiness. These vegetables not only contribute flavour but also absorb the savory essence of the stew.

• Celery: Add celery stalks for a mild, herbal note that complements the other ingredients.

• Frozen Peas: Add a burst of color and freshness. This maintains their vibrant green colour and ensures a pop of sweetness in every bite.

• Herbs - Bay Leaves, and Thyme: Enhance the stew's aroma and flavour . These herbs contribute a fragrant and earthy dimension to the dish.

• Tomato Paste/Puree: Intensify the richness and deepen the color of the stew. This adds a subtle tangy element that balances the savory flavorus.

Final Touch and Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the stew. This adds a burst of color and a pop of freshness.

• Crusty Bread, Biscuits, or Dinner Rolls: The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavourful broth.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For an extra layer of comfort, spoon the slow cooker beef stew over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

• Side Salad: Balance the richness of the stew with a simple side salad. A light vinaigrette or lemon-based dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty main course.

• Wine Pairing: If you've used red wine in your stew, consider serving the same wine alongside the meal. A robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the savoury flavours of the beef.

Embrace the warmth and comfort of the season with this ultimate slow cooker beef stew recipe. Perfect for busy schedules and lazy weekends, this dish is a celebration of simplicity and flavour – your taste buds will thank you!

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) stewing beef (about 1 inch cubes)
1/4 cup flour for the beef
1/4 cup olive oil 
4 carrots, peeled sliced into ½ inch rounds
4 celery stalks, diced
1 medium onion, diced
5 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red wine (if you drink it you can cook with it)
2 tbsp worcestershire
1 cup tomato puree
4 cups reduced sodium beef stock
1 handful fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups frozen peas (optional)

For the roux
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup AP flour

Instructions

• In a large bowl add the stewing beef and ¼ cup flour, toss to coat. 

• Set your slow cooker to saute mode. If your slow cooker doesn’t have this feature, use a frying pan. Add your olive oil, beef and brown the chunks. It should only take about 2-3 minutes. Work in batches if you need, to avoid crowding the pan or slow cooker.

• Remove the beef using a slotted spoon and set aside.

• To the slow cooker or same pan,add your wine and stir and scrape all the bits from the bottom of the pan. Let that simmer for 1-2 minutes and add it to your slow cooker if using a pan. 

• Turn the slow cooker off, add all your ingredients (except the flour and butter for the roux) and mix to combine. Cover and set your it to low, for 8 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to high for 4-5 hours. 

• Make the roux by adding the flour and butter to a small pot and cook on low, whisking continuously until smooth, this should take about 3-4 minutes. 

• During the last 30 minutes of cook time add the roux and frozen peas to your slow cooker, stir, cover and let it continue to cook until it’s complete the cooking time.

• Top with fresh parsley and serve with fresh crusty bread or  homemade biscuits.

Recipe: Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola

Savor the Season with Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola!
As the leaves change colors and the crisp autumn air settles in, it's time to indulge in the warm and inviting flavours of the season. Kitchen Confession presents our newest creation: Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola.
This delightful blend is crafted with care, combining wholesome oats, crunchy nuts, and a perfect balance of seasonal spices. Each bite takes you on a sensory journey, combining the comforting taste of pumpkin with the familiar warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Fall in love all over again with pumpkins as this delicious granola infuses the essence of the season into your breakfast routine. Whether topping your yogurt, sprinkling over a warm bowl of oatmeal, or simply enjoying it by the handful, this granola adds a delightful, autumnal crunch to every bite.
Not only does our Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola taste incredible, but it also boasts a list of nutritious ingredients. Packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness, this granola embodies the perfect balance between indulgence and health.
So, step into the autumn spirit and let our Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola awaken your taste buds. Experience the magic of the season as every mouthful transports you to cozy fireside chats, vibrant foliage, and the simple joy of cooler days. It's time to celebrate fall with a delectable blend that captures the very essence of this enchanting time of year.

Crunchy Pumpkin Spice Granola

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20-30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups old fashioned oats
1/2 cup milled flaxseed
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup coconut or avocado oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup dried blueberries

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl combine the oats, flaxseed, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie spice and salt.

• In another bowl combine the honey, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla. 

• Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir to combine until everything is coated. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 20 to 30 minutes stirring halfway through the cook time until golden around the edges. Let cool completely on the pan before breaking up and stir in dried fruit. Store in a container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe: Butternut Squash and Kale Cavatelli

It’s spring but someone forgot to remind Mother Nature of the temperature change. Even though it’s a little less like spring outside it doesn’t stop me from craving the light bright meals that remind me of the season. One dish that's perfect for this time of year is Butternut Squash and Kale Cavatelli. This pasta dish is packed with healthy veggies and comforting tiny pasta. If you still need a reason to try this recipe here are a few more reasons as to why you should give this recipe a try:

• Butternut Squash is a Nutritional Powerhouse

• Butternut squash is a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. Not only does it add a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish, but it also provides important nutrients that support your overall health.

• Kale is a Superfood

• Kale is another healthy ingredient in this dish that provides a variety of health benefits. Kale is high in antioxidants, vitamin K, and iron. It's also a great source of fiber and can help support healthy digestion.

• Cavatelli is a Delicious and Versatile Pasta

• Cavatelli is a type of pasta that's perfect for this dish. Its small size and shape make it easy to combine with the other ingredients, and its chewy texture adds a great contrast to the soft butternut squash. Plus, you can easily substitute other types of pasta if you prefer.

• The Flavors of Fall

• Roasting the butternut squash adds a nutty and sweet flavor, while the kale provides a slightly bitter taste that balances out the dish. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory kick to the dish.

Butternut Squash and Kale Cavatelli is easy to make, packed with healthy ingredients, and puts an instant smile on your face :) Give it a try andlet me know what you think. I love hearing from you.

Butternut Squash and Kale Cavatelli

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, deseed and cut into 1/2 inch cubes

• 2 cups firmly-packed chopped kale

• 4 unpeeled cloves garlic

• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup chicken stock

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1 16 oz. bag (8 cups) of cavatelli, cooked according to package instructions

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven 400F and place butternut squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving room for the kale and garlic. Drizzle olive oil, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste over everything, toss to coat and roast for 25-30 minutes until squash and garlic is tender and kale is crispy. Remove skins from garlic, finely mash into a paste, and toss into butternut squash/kale.

• Divide the roasted squash and add 1/2 to a small bowl, top with chicken stock and blend into a pure using an immersion blender, set aside.

• In a large pan add butter, the remaining half roasted butternut squash, kale, garlic paste, squash puree and heat through.

• Pour in the cooked cavatelli and tossing until everything is combined and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, season with additional salt and pepper is needed, mix in the parmegiano reggiano and enjoy!

Recipe: One Pot Spicy Sausage Penne

Well hello you sexy bowl of Spicy Penne and Sausage. Picture it, feel it, make it :) This ONE POT SPICY SAUSAGE PENNE PASTA is what we need on a Monday and the first day back to work after losing an hour of sleep. I’m an exhausted mess this morning. I was still awake at 11:30pm and “rave” hours for me! Then 5:30 am rolls around and I can’t find the snooze button on the alarm because he’s up and calling first dibs on the shower - love you Frank (kisses) Can we go back please? I already miss that hour. Tell me your thoughts on daylight savings time because I.JUST.CAN’T!

One Pot Spicy Sausage Penne

Prep time: 15 minutes 
Cook time: 15 minutes 
Total time: 30 minutes 
Author: Mary Mammoliti | Kitchen Confession 

Ingredients 

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 Italian Sausage links

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper 

• 1/2 to 1 tsp red chili flakes

• 1 (796mL) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (680mL) jar tomato purée 

• 1 1/2 cups low sodium beef broth 

• 1 lb dried penne rigate

Topping Options

• Chopped fresh basil 

• Grated Parmesan 

Instructions 

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil on med-high heat. Add turkey sausage, searing for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step maintains the shape of the sausage when slicing it in the next step.

2. Using tongs, remove sausage and when cool, slice into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, add the onion to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until translucent and garlic and continue to cook for about a minute or until fragrant.

3. Add sausage pieces back into pan, add salt, pepper and red chili flakes and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and beef broth and bring to a boil, cover, lower heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

4. Add penne to the pot, stir and cover with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, for another 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente - fork tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Plate your pasta, top with a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan and fresh basil
   
   

Recipe: 2 Pasta Salads You Should Make Now

It’s scorching hot in Toronto and I’m not complaining BUT the thought of spending time in front of a hot stove is making me sweat. SOOOOO, bring on the cool, bright, pasta salad! I’ve got 2 recipes for ya. Can’t decide which one to make? Try both, and leave them in the refrigerator for the week. Going to a summer potluck? Bring the Greek Pasta Salad with feta and fresh tomatoes or an Asian inspired bow tie pasta salad may be your dish of choice.

Greek Pasta Salad

This recipe makes a huge batch of Greek Pasta Salad. Share this recipe with friends and bring it to your next potluck This would be great for a potluck.  I usually half the recipe when I make it. We ate this for several days with lunch and dinner. This will keep for 5 days in the refrigerator. The simple mediterranean flavours of the dressing with the creaminess of the crumbled feta and fresh cherry tomatoes is exactly what is missing on your dinner table! Have is as a side or enjoy it as the main dish. 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 10 - 12
Author: Mary Mammoliti / Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS

1 (16-oz) box penne pasta
2/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 Tbsp greek seasoning
3/4 cup grape tomatoes, cut into halves
1-1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool.

2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mayonnaise and greek seasoning in a large bowl. Add cooked pasta, tomatoes, feta cheese and basil. Toss to coat.

3. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours before serving.

Asian Pasta Salad

This simple and light pasta salad has quickly found it's place on my summer salad list. This dish will quickly become a family favourite, and a great one to share at any potluck. It can be served as a side dish or eat on it’s own as a light lunch. This Asian Pasta Salad is completely addictive and the sesame-soy dressing will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 8
Author: Mary Mammoliti / Kitchen Confession

INGREDIENTS

SESAME-SOY DRESSING:

1/4 cup grape seed oil
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons coconut palm sugar or brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce, or tamari sauce
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

PASTA SALAD:

12 ounces bow tie pasta (about 4 cups)
2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
1 cup shredded carrot
3/4 cup roughly chopped parsley
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup slivered almonds or peanuts

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix together dressing ingredients in a jar or bowl with tight fitting lid. Shake well and set aside.

2. Boil bow tie pasta for 10 minutes or about one minute shy of the package directions. Pour cooked pasta into a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.

3. Mix in remaining salad ingredients. Give dressing a good shake and pour over the salad. Mix well.

RECIPE NOTES
If you'd like to get some of the prep out of the way you can boil the pasta the day before. Rinse it well with cold water, drain it, and then toss it with a teaspoon or two of grape seed oil to prevent it from sticking. Transfer the cooked pasta storage container, cover and refrigerate overnight. Assemble the salad no more than an hour or two before serving for the best result and reserve nuts to add just before serving.