Monday, March 19, 2018

A simple dinner and table setting....


I have set the table for just the two of us....


... with MacKenzie-Childs enamel dishes and Ikea placemats.


You might notice that the black Flower Market dishes are not bright and vibrant, but rather pastel....



....I purchased these at the Barn Sale and went though 3 stacks of dishes to find 4 matching salad plates.  I like the softer pink and thought they would coordinate better with my Taylor ceramics!


This is what the actual pattern should look like:



I purchased flower balls at Pier 1 Imports to use on my candlesticks for spring....


So, what are we having for dinner?


Tonight we are having Beef Stew and hot rolls!




Crock Pot BEEF STEW

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
  • 3/4 lbs. beef stew meat, cut into bite size chunks
  • 3 baby red potatoes, cut into bite size chunks
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 ribs celery, sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. corn starch
  • 2T 2% milk or your preferred milk/milk alternative
  • STEP 1: Add 1 cup of the broth, the ranch seasoning, tomato paste, sugar and black pepper 
    to a large 6 quart slow cooker. Whisk until well combined. Whisk in the remaining broth.
  • STEP 2: Add the beef, potatoes, onion, mushrooms, carrots, celery and garlic. Stir well.
  • STEP 3: Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours
  • STEP 4: Add the corn starch and milk to a small bowl. Whisk to dissolve. Add the corn starch 
    mixture and peas to the slow cooker. Stir well. Cover and increase the heat to high. Cook for 
    30 more minutes to thicken the stew. 

    Give this stew more flavor by searing the beef before placing into the slow cooker. Make sure your pan is hot with a thin 
    coating of oil and gently set the pieces of meat in the pan for a few minutes on each side, until browned. This will 
    caramelize the beef and give your soup a complex, savory flavor.
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Patti @ Pandoras Box
Patti @ Pandoras Box

I live in central NY and I am a retired family and consumer science teacher. I enjoy all types of crafting, decorating and cooking

8 comments:

  1. I really like the more pastel plates...your perseverance paid off at the barn sale to find the matching ones.

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  2. How pretty Patti. Thanks for the recipe. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  3. I love everything about the place setting and the floral plates are the "icing on the cake." Happy new week Patti!

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  4. It's nice that you could find four to match - they're pretty!

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  5. It’s fun digging through stacks and stacks of beautiful dishes looking for the perfect ones, glad you found four. Your table looks lovely and the beef stew sounds delicious. Actually, I make one almost identical to your recipe. Happy Spring Patti.

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  6. Loving those floral plates. I can see why you dug through the pile to find the matching ones.
    The table looks lovely with all of your MC dishware and accessories. One thing about the Courtly check, you can mix and match. The floral balls look fabulous on the candlesticks.

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  7. Like the new header and the gorgeous table setting! Happy Spring Patt!

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  8. Your hubby is one lucky man!! Have a great week, Patti!

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