Beef Casserole with Walnuts

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Vicki in Iowa writes, "A friend got some vinegar in his ear. Now he
suffers from pickled hearing."

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            TODAY'S RECIPE
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As colder weather descends on those of us in the Northern
Hemisphere we are becoming less reluctant to turn our ovens
on, so I though it was time for a few casseroles to warm our
bellies as well as our kitchens. Here is the lineup:

(Recipes in brackets are in the PLUS Edition only.)

Monday's Entree
Beef Casserole with Walnuts
[Sausage and Apple Casserole]

Tuesday's Entree
Lamb and Apricot Pilaf
[Broccoli and Cashew Casserole]

Wednesday's Entree
Chicken and Artichoke Casserole
[Tomato and Corn Casserole]

Thursday's Entree
Pork and Cabbage Casserole
[Enchilada Casserole]

Friday's Entree
Spinach Casserole
[Seven-Layer Casserole]

The walnuts and orange zest give this unusual stew an appealing
combination of flavors and textures.

Beef Casserole with Walnuts

3 Tbs (45 ml) butter
1 1/2 - 2 lbs (675-900 g) beef stew meat
1 onion, chopped
1 Tbs (15 ml) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) beef stock
1/4 cup (60 ml) red wine (optional)
1-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 bay (laurel) leaf
1/2 tsp (2 ml) dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup (125 ml) walnut halves or pieces
1 Tbs (15 ml) finely chopped orange zest

Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the butter in an ovenproof pot with
a lid over moderate heat and brown the beef. Transfer the beef to
a plate and saute the onions in the remaining fat until lightly browned,
about 10 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add the
meat to the pot along with the beef stock, optional wine, garlic,
and seasonings. Cover tightly and bake in a preheated 325F (165C)
oven for 2 hours. Shortly before serving heat the remaining tablespoon
(15 ml) of butter in a skillet over moderate heat and saute the celery
and walnuts for about 3 minutes. Scatter the celery mixture and
orange zest over the meat before serving. Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Mon Oct 23 04:50:53 2006