Tag Archives: beef

Dairy Free Crock Pot Meal

As it’s getting colder here in Australia now that we’re into winter, the crock pot is going to get a lot more use. This is one that I made the other night which is warming, simple to make and tasty. It is both gluten free and dairy free. HINT The type of meat I use depends largely on what is on special. Sometimes it is just as cheap to buy rump steak or blade, than it is to buy chuck steak or gravy beef. So look for what is on special to get the best buy. Often buying in bulk … Continue reading →

Crock Pot Recipes that are Dairy and Gluten Free

I’m a big fan of lentils, kidney beans, black eyed beans and chick peas. They are a way of adding fiber to the diet without it causing too many complaints. Here are two more crock-pot recipes using these ingenious little fiber balls. I mostly use the tinned ones because it involves less preparation time. But you can use the packet lentils if you prefer. HINT When I use packets of black eyed beans, I cook more black beans that I need for this recipe and put them in the freezer for another time. You can do the same with lentils … Continue reading →

Skewer Your Meat

Our barbecue gets plenty of use for cooking roasts as well as barbecuing. These recipes both go well on skewers on the barbecue, though you could also put them under the griller if you prefer. Although they take a bit of marinating time, you could be doing other things while they are marinating. Set a timer to remind you when they are ready. The advantage is they don’t take long to cook. HINT Although I have used beef in these two recipes you could just as easily use lamb or even chicken if you prefer. Spicy Beef Kebabs Ingredients I … Continue reading →

When Your Family is Tired of Chicken

You know that I love cooking with chicken. It is a relatively inexpensive protein source, it is lean, and it is versatile. This week, however, I think we have hit a big wall, a chicken wall so to speak. (Boy, I bet that conjures up all sorts of funny imagery, huh?) Anyway, it started out innocently enough. Our local grocery store was offering whole name brand fat chicken roasters for $.79 a pound. Around here, that is a very good thing. I like the roasters because after cooking them, I can also make homemade gravy, chicken stock and have plenty … Continue reading →

Meaty Menu Options

I didn’t grow up in a meat and potatoes household, though I have friends who can’t survive a day without dining on the classic combo. They require having meat and potatoes at least once a day, be it sausage and hashbrowns at breakfast, a hamburger and fries at lunch or steak and potatoes at dinner. If you are a die-hard meat and potatoes fan, then consider the following hearty recipes. They don’t feature potatoes as the starch option, but I guarantee you won’t miss them. NOT YOUR MAMA’S BEEF STROGANOFF Ingredients: 2 pounds beef tenderloin or sirloin, cut 1-inch pieces … Continue reading →

Beef Up Sunday Dinner

Growing up I never dined on beef stew unless it was Sunday night. Beef stew was one of my dad’s specialties and since he worked during the week, and the dish takes a while to cook, he’d always wait until Sunday to make it. Sundays are an ideal time to make warm, homey meals to share with family and friends. If you are looking for a hearty, beefed up dish to serve this Sunday, consider the following recipes: BAKED BEEF STEW Ingredients: 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/2 cup flour 1 tablespoon garlic salt 2 teaspoons … Continue reading →

Super Shepard’s Pie for Christmas

Shepard’s Pie ranks up there as one of the most popular comfort foods in the world. This classic homestyle dish exudes warmth and is especially welcome on a cold winter’s day. If you are looking for an affordable Christmas dish that is loaded with flavor, you might consider making the following recipes. The first is for a Traditional Shepard’s Pie with ground beef. It is rich and hearty, but doesn’t require a ton of prep time. The second recipe is for a Ground Turkey Shepard’s Pie. It appeals to those who might be watching their fat intake, but still want … Continue reading →

Recipe for a Christmas Classic

When you think of classic Christmas dinners what comes to mind? Some families celebrate the occasion with a traditional Christmas turkey or ham, while others opt for prime rib. Christmas at my house always included my grandfather’s favorite Beef Wellington. If you are hosting a house full of people on Christmas and have the means to afford this elaborate dish, I highly recommend going all out for your guests. After all, Christmas comes just once a year. TRADITIONAL BEEF WELLINGTON Ingredients: 2 (8-ounce) steaks Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided) 3/4 pound mushrooms, minced 1 shallot, minced 2 … Continue reading →

Autumn Recipes: R is for Roasts

It’s hard to go an entire autumn season without making at least one roast. Whether it’s a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast or a succulent pork roast, the simple dish (that yields a ton of welcome leftovers) not only warms up your home on a crisp fall night, but it’s also one of the most versatile dishes out there. The first two recipes I’ve included pair hearty pork roasts with seasonal apples. Both recipes are extremely simple to prepare (one cooks in a crock pot, which makes it even easier). The third recipe is for a Classic Pot Roast, which is also … Continue reading →

Mid Week Steak Dinner

Thanks to my generous grandparents (most notably my gourmet cook grandfather) I grew up eating steak every Saturday night. Consequently, I always considered the delicious cut of meat to be a weekend treat. But, these days steak is affordable enough (depending on the cut) and recipes are plentiful enough to create amazingly tasty meaty dishes in the middle of the week. The following steak recipes are simple enough to prepare even on a night when you get home from the office later than expected. The first one, which features beef tenderloin steaks swimming in a creamy mushroom sauce, can be … Continue reading →