Brilliant Beef Stew Recipe!

Instructions

Coffee Braised Beef Stew

1. Heat the oil in a large braising pot over high heat. Toss the beef with the cornstarch and add this to the pot in a single layer. Let it sear for a minute, then toss in the pot to brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef to a plate and reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the onions and sauté until they are translucent about 5 minutes. Add the sweet potato, garlic, and ginger and stir for a minute.
3. Add the vinegar and stir (this will pull any tasty, caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan).
4. Add the beef stock, coffee, maple syrup, soy sauce, and a little black pepper.
5. Add back the seared beef and bring everything up to a full simmer. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover, stirring occasionally and cooking for 90 minutes, until the beef is tender. Adjust the seasoning, if needed, and serve with rice.

Pickled Squash Marmalade

1. Place the squash, sugar, and vinegar in a medium saucepan and stir together over medium heat. Squeeze the juice from the lemon and orange into the pot, and then add the fruit to the pot (the zest will add great flavor). Stir in the piece of lemongrass and bring this up to a simmer. Reduce the heat, if needed, to simmer the squash gently, uncovered, and stirring occasionally for 35 to 40 minutes, until the syrup has thickened, and the squash is glossy. (The mixture will thicken as it cools.) Remove the pan from the heat and discard the lemon, orange, and lemongrass. Cool the “marmalade” to room temperature and then chill until ready to use.