Food Comforts for the Winter Months

The chilly winter air and the dark morning skies are enough to make anyone want to stay in bed. Try this receipe to warm the winter blues away.

STEW AND DUMPLINGS FROM THE AGA SIMMERING OVEN

INGREDIENTS 500g stewing steak, bite size pieces 1 onion, chopped, 1 carrot peeled and chopped 1 turnip peeled and chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 oz flour, some seasoning Bouquet garni ¾ pint – 1 pint meat stock Little red wine METHOD Brown the meat in the oil and remove, then brown the vegetables and onion, add the flour and cook for 1 minute.  Pour in the stock, add the bouquet garni, return the meat, and stir until boiling. Place a tight lid on top and transfer to the simmering oven of the Aga for 11/2 to 2 hours.  Before serving, add the dumplings and a spatter of wine (or more stock) to increase the gravy if it has reduced. THE DUMPLINGS INGREDIENTS 165g flour ½ tsp baking powder A pinch of salt 125 ml milk 1 tsp butter Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.  Simmer the milk and butter in a saucepan and mix into the flour mixture, until moist. Take teaspoon scoops of the dumpling mixture and form into dough balls. Place these into the stew to cook, 10 minutes before serving time.