Simple Meals

The approach of fall reminds me of a crisp chill in the air, the smell of fallen leaves and burning wood, the sweet taste of fresh apples, and all the freshly harvested root vegetables and squash. Daylight ends earlier, and we don't grill outside as often as we did in the spring and summer. My culinary thoughts turn to cold weather favorites that I seem to crave each year at about this time.

At our house, weekday suppers are simple, and in the fall, that brings to mind chili, soup, homemade bread, and salad. We may indulge in beef or lamb stew with rice or noodles. Or, maybe a toasted sandwich of crab and cheese. For me, there's nothing quite like the welcoming fragrance of stew or soup simmering on the stove.

I like new or complicated dishes too, but the appeal of a simple supper on a cold evening brings memories of comfort too strong to resist. My favorite stew recipe came from my mother-in-law many years ago. It is "semi-homemade," hearty and delicious! As it cooks, it fills the house with the most amazing and enticing smell! The recipe follows.

Grandma's Beef Stew

1 lb beef or lamb stew meat
3 carrots, sliced
1 onion, rough chopped
2 stalks celery, rough chopped
3 potatoes, in chunks
2cans cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
Rice or noodles, if desired

Put all ingredients into an oven dish. Bake at 250 for 3-4 hours. Serve over rice or noodles, if desired.

That's it. Plain and simple. Add some fresh bread, and you have a complete, simple meal that is healthy and filling.

I look forward to my first bowl of stew this fall and to the warm feeling of sharing a delicious, simple meal. As I've said before, simple is often best!