Swine and Punishment (Bought-the-Farm Mystery 7)

by Ellen Riggs

  “We’ll never lack for company,” he said, collecting our coats. “But your mom will dance till the very last song.”

  The door closed behind us, shutting off the music and chatter and even a new mystery. I looped my arm through his and we walked down the stairs into the breath-snatching cold. Now the night was truly ours.

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  Jilly’s Classic Beef Stew

  2 lbs stewing beef

  2 tsp flour

  ½ tbsp of salt

  1 tsp black pepper

  1 ½ tbsp coconut oil (or other cooking fat)

  1 large onion, finely diced

  1 large carrot, minced

  1 celery stock, minced

  4 cloves garlic, minced

  6 tbsp tomato paste

  2 bay leaves

  1 tsp dried thyme

  1 cup red wine (or 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar)

  2 cups chicken broth

  1 lb mini potatoes (or 4 large potatoes cut in 2-inch chunks)

  1 lb peeled pearl onions (optional)

  Pat beef dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt and black pepper. Add beef and toss till coated.

  Heat a Dutch oven or large, oven safe pot over medium-high heat. Add the oil and then the beef, allowing it to brown on all sides. As it browns, move the meat to bowl. (Don’t crowd the beef!)

  When all the meat is browned and removed, add minced onion, carrot, celery and garlic tot the pot and cook till golden, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste, bay leaves and thyme. Cook, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Pour in the wine (or vinegar) and the broth and mix well. Then add back the beef and juices. Cover and simmer for an hour on the stovetop or put it into the oven at 375 degrees for an hour.

  Add the potatoes and pearl onions, if using. Continue to cook for another hour or so, until the meat, potatoes and pearl onions are tender.

  Remove lid and simmer on stove uncovered for about 10 minutes to thicken the gravy. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired.

  (Chef’s note: Need a man to confess… or profess his love? This lip-loosening meal will increase your odds. It tastes even better and is equally powerful the second day.)