Beef Stew and Gifts

I cannot believe Christmas Eve is tomorrow night. Where has this year gone? I. have. no. idea. I haven't even wrapped presents. I didn't trust my 2 year old with presents under the tree. That's temptation at it's finest. Although, she hasn't messed with the ornaments at all. 

But now, thinking about all the presents that need to be wrapped, just to be ripped open tomorrow night, seems pretty pointless. That is the fun part, though. Watching her open the gifts. Let me get to wrappin'.

On a less work to do note, I love cooking in my Crock-Pot. Being able to scoop out the food to serve at supper, without slaving in the kitchen, is a dream. Here is my beef stew recipe. Perfect for these winter nights.

Hearty Crock-Pot Beef Stew

1.5 lbs. Beef Stew Meat
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Pepper
3 Large Potatoes (cubed)
2 Celery Ribs (diced)
1 Bag of Mini Carrots
1 Can of Green Beans
1 Yellow Onion (finely diced)
1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 Cup Red Cooking Wine
6 Cloves Garlic (minced)
2 Cups Beef Broth
4 Tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tsp. Paprika
2 Bay Leaves

-Place meat in a large Ziploc bag. Mix the flour with the salt and pepper. Pour into the bag with the meat. Shake to coat the meat. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown it on the outside to sear it. That should take a few minutes. After the meat is browned, add to your Crock-Pot.

-Cube the potatoes and chop the celery. Add both to the Crock-Pot. Add the carrots and can of green beans.

-Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into the same skillet. Add the finely chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until they are translucent. Then add the balsamic vinegar and red cooking wine. Cook for two minutes and scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift the meat scrapings into the liquid. Pour into the Crock-Pot, making sure you get the onions.

-Add the minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire, paprika, and bay leaves to the Crock-Pot. Stir and cover. Cook on low for 10 to 12 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours. Serves 4-6. Enjoy!