Overnight Baked French Toast

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/12/overnight-baked-french-toast/

French Beef Stew

I threw together a new stew tonight and it tastes very much like beef bourguignon without the work. Don't get me wrong - BB is totally worth the work - but not something I have time for very often.

French Beef Stew

1 lb stew meat, 1/2" cubes

3 Tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Dash of cayenne 

1 1/2 Tbsp Beef Base 

1/2 cup red cooking wine

4 cups hot water

1 tsp dried parsley

1 tsp dried rosemary leaves

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

3 Tbsp cornstarch

3 Tbsp cold water

4 carrots, peeled and sliced

3-4 red potatoes, 1/2" cubes

3 celery stalks, sliced

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp olive oil + 1 Tbsp butter 

1 onion

4 mushrooms (baby bellos, sliced)

1/2 tsp salt (to taste)

Place flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne in a bag, shake and coat cubed meat.

Brown the meat on med-high heat with olive oil. I use a cast iron ceramic pot.

Drain the excess oil. Add cooking wine and water to de-glaze the pot. Add beef base and remaining spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for one hour.

Combine cornstarch with water and stir into pot. Add carrot, potato, celery, Worcestershire sauce, and continue to simmer for another hour.

In a skillet, sauté sliced onion and mushroom until caramelized, then add to pot for the last 15 minutes.

I noticed a big difference in the tenderness of the meat between 2 hrs and 2.5 hrs simmering. So, if you're not in a rush, give it the extra 30 min before serving. 

Belgian Waffles

I got lucky with an internet search for a light, fluffy belgian waffle.  This one comes from www.somethingswanky.com and is exactly what I was looking for - just a hint of sugar and spice.  I made one minor change by cutting the cinnamon in half, because I only enjoy a 'hint' of cinnamon.  The ingredient list can look intimidating, but it's all stuff you have on hand, and honestly take about 2-3 minutes to toss together.  Love these!

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup corn starch

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 3/4 cups milk

1/2 cup cooking oil (canola)

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

a pinch of nutmeg

1/4 tsp cinnamon (or 1/2 tsp if you prefer)

1. Preheat waffle iron

2. Whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl until smooth.

3. Spray waffle iron w/ non-stick spray before each waffle.

4. Pour approx. 1/2 cup batter on hot iron and cook for 2 - 3 minutes, or to your liking.

5. Serve hot and fresh with berries and whipped cream.