'Tis the season for a Snow Rake?? It sure is!! Back in the winter of '95/'96 my creative hubby crafted a makeshift Snow Rake. It was the winter that we have never forgotten - the snowflakes fell weekly. There was no melting action going on - at all. Homes had roofs that were overly burdened by the weight of heavy snow. By using this tool, snow could be removed on a roof's edges (without climbing up) to lessen the burden and perhaps also negate any water damage that might occur. That handy makeshift Snow Rake was tucked away in a corner of our shed (visible just beyond our deck). In the past three days it has come to our rescue!
While I may daydream about enjoying a dinner of Grilled Sockeye Salmon, my Slow Cooker is bubbling away in my toasty kitchen. Beef Stew was so easy to prep this afternoon. It is a reminder of my mom's stew that bubbled away on the heater side of our old-fashioned gas stove. She placed everything into a covered Dutch Oven and simmered it for 8 - 10 hours. Occasionally, a large spoon mixed the contents.
I use my West Bend Slow Cooker and I set it on High for 4 Hours. Always keeping that wonderful memory whenever I make Beef Stew, I add the ingredients into my Slow Cooker's pot (that has been sprayed with PAM). Because of the experience of scorching meat if I place it on the bottom of the pot, I place 1 lb. Baby Carrots on the bottom, then the meat. A 1 lb. Beef Round is cut into small chunks and placed on top. Then, (1) 16 oz. bag defrosted Mixed Vegetables, 2 Potatoes (cut into small chunks) and (2) cans Tomatoes (about 15 oz. each, in juice) are added.
3 Bay Leaves along with Parsley, chopped Onions, Oregano, Garlic Powder & Sweet Basil are sprinkled on top. Before placing the lid on the Slow Cooker I add in (2) cans Tomato Sauce (about 15 oz. each). Sometimes I sprinkle a little Pepper on top.
After all ingredients are placed in the pot, they simmer away. A no fuss dinner on a very cold night! I may daydream of using our outdoor grill while my DH is using the Snow Rake, but Beef Stew in the winter is the best!
Enjoy!
Yummy!
14 comments:
Thank goodness for your snow rake, So much snow everywhere! Slowcookers and stews are perfect for this kind of weather!
We have got a lot of snow here and it sounds like the perfect day for a nice stew. Aren't our hubby's the clever ones? A snow rake sounds like an awesome tool indeed. Thank you so much for all of your kind comments. You have been a wonderful bloggy friend ♥ Stay warm and cozy on these warm winter days we are having.
Even if we are miles apart, we are both in the snow and in a slow cooker mode this morning. Wonderful to hear memories of your mom's Beef Stew; have not made this in quite a while; thank you for the reminder. I have beef cubes in the freezer.
Carol- Very thankful for our Snow Rake and the Slow Cooker. :)
Charli and me- Hearty stew on a cold day makes for an easy dinner. Definitely agree, nice to have a clever hubby. :)
Rita- While growing up I had this stew often. No measuring, just place in pot and it took care of itself. Like our Slow Cookers. :)
Beef stew is perfect for a cold winter's night. Your house must have smelled fabulous all day long.
Your deck looks exactly like mine. Crazy, huh? That beef stew sounds wonderful.
Barbara Bakes- It sure did!
ann- All of our outdoor grills are hiding out on the decks. Mounds of all different shapes.
WOW! That's a lot of snow! Stay warm...stay inside! Hugs...warm hugs! ♥
The slow cooker is perfect for a cold and snowy day. The aroma of food simmering in the crock is almost unbelievable. I hope you'll soon be able to dig out and enjoy your salmon. Till then your stew sounds wonderful. Have agood evening. Blessings...Mary
Lavender Dreamer- Inside is the place to be. Waiting for your sunshine to come north.
Mary- Slow Cookers are great! Things look better - my African Violet had buds.
That snow rake is a wonderful thing! We have the same problem here with snow on the roofs. I'm definitely ready for spring now to look at green grass and flowers. Your beef stew sounds delicious and is perfect for this weather!
It looks quite magical!
Looks like perfect weather for a slow cooked beef stew!
You're making me hungry!!
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