Thursday, 28 July 2011

On the menu...

Red Wine and Beef Simmer

1kg beef blade steak, chopped
plain flour, for dusting
1/4 cup olive oil
1 brown onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 cup red wine
2 1/2 cups beef stock
400g can crushed tomatoes
4 bay leaves
4 sprigs thyme
sea salt and cracked black pepper
mashed potato, to serve

Preheat oven to 180C (350F).
Place the beef and flour in a bowl and toss to coat, shaking off any excess.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan over high heat.
Add the meat and cook for 3-4 minutes or until well browned
Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the remaining oil to the pan and add the onion and garlic.
Cook for 3 minutes or until golden.
Gradually add the wine and cook for 2-3 minutes or until reduced by half.
Add the beef back to the pan and add the stock, tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt and pepper.
Bring to the boil, cover tightly and cook in the oven for 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender.
Serve with potato mash.

Serves 4

Courtesy of Donna Hay (SIMPLE ESSENTIALS - beef, lamb and pork cook book)

Deeeeeelish and perfect for chilly winter nights.

I added some steamed green beans... I love the flavour and they are so good for you! But also for a splash of colour...

Whats on your menu?

x

Tuesday, 12 July 2011

Starting Over....

So I had the first day of my new job today... I had a mini freak out last night while reading over the companies policies and guidelines! So much to remember and so many ways to get fired! EEK!
But it was good to be back working... (YAY MONEY)

The last 2 weeks off have been lovely, I spent a week at home at my parents place in Mansfield... By myself with the cats and chooks looking after the property while my parents took a much needed holiday to Tasmania. It was a very relaxing and clensing, a great opportunity to plan my future and make some important decisions. I had great fun re-exploring the 22 acres and taking photos...







I haven't been very creative lately as the job hunting and general stress have been occupying all creative head space! Though I do have a knitting project waiting in the wings... Also a few bags waiting to be assembled ready for sewing... Now to find the time!

I also spent last weekend up on Mt Buller... Snow, Snow, Snow! Not the nicest weather but I did manage to get a few sneaky snaps...








I hope the school holidays have been kind to you all and the weather not too chilly x