Another cold night.

It's the coldest night of the season, so far. We've got a fire going in the fireplace, and a pot of stew on the stove, yum! Stew is so easy, I fix it in my cast iron dutch oven. I just trim some stew meat, coat it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and flour. Brown it in oil, add rough cut onions and some minced garlic. I add chunks of celery, potatoes, baby carrots, and halved mushrooms. Cover with beef broth, add bay leaves and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until tender. If desired, thicken with corn starch mixed with water. Serve with hot rolls or corn bread. Perfect for a cold night!