Comfort Food

After several days of chilly temperatures, last night called for some good old comfort food.

Sam Adams Beef Stew

2 lbs boneless beef stew meat, cut into 1.5 inch cubes

1/2 cup flour, divided

2 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons butter, divided

1 1/2 cups chopped onions

1 1/2 cups cubed carrots

1 tablespoon snipped fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

2 1/2 teaspoons chopped garlic

3 cups beef stock

1 (12 oz) bottle of Sam Adams beer

2 cups cubed red potatoes

1/4 cup water

In a large storage bag, shake beef with 1/4 cup flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper. Melt butter in large Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown beef; remove. Stir in onion, carrots, thyme, bay leaves and garlic; saute 4 minutes. Stir in beef stock and beer. Reduce heat; simmer, covered until beef is tender (approx. 3 1/2 hours). Add potatoes; simmer, covered, until tender (about 20 minutes). Combine remaining 1/4 cup flour and water until smooth; slowly pour into stew, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil; boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove bay leaves. Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon of salt if needed. Enjoy!