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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Friday Night Open Thread- Beef Stew

Friday Night Open Thread- Beef Stew

by John Cole|  January 5, 20187:41 pm| 118 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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No, I did not make stew out of Lily, that was just a cute picture I took earlier as she was protesting me changing the sheets. I waited until later.

It’s been super chilly the past couple of days, so much so that I found my winter coat and wore it yesterday briefly. As such, I have been craving hearty foods, so tonight I am making a beef stew. I’m not super good with recipes (meaning I don’t really use them or write them down), but here is what I did:

1.) We had a standing rib for New Year’s Eve- I found a glorious cut of beef the day after Christmas marked down from $90.00 to 40.00, so I scooped it up and put it in the fridge until New Years, and we made a salt encrusted prime rib. At any rate, they had some really good bones, so I saved them, and I keep a gallon freezer bag in the freezer and any time I use onions, celery, or carrots, I keep the peels and ends and store them and then use them to make stock. Cooked it all down so I had a good half gallon of solid stock.

2.) Picked up a cheap cut of beef, cut it into pieces, floured it, added salt and pepper, and put it aside and then made a simple roux in a saute pan (just to make sure the stew got a good thickness to it). Put the roux aside, added more butter, and then browned the meat. Put the meat and the roux in the pressure cooker, and then deglazed the pan with the beef stock, poured it into the pressure cooker.

3.) Did a modified rough cut on some carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, and threw them in the pressure cooker.

4.) Added a wee can of tomato paste.

5.) Added some peas and the rest of some of a bag of fresh green beans I had leftover from another meal.

6.) Added a splash or two of Lea and Perrins and the same of some really good soy sauce I like that is aged in old whiskey barrels from Kentucky, some dried paprika and thyme, salt, and for shits and giggles, a little bit of crushed kampot peppercorns (got a friend who goes to Cambodia a lot).

It’s cooking now. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

*** Update ***

And done. Not as thick as I was hoping, but it will thicken up a touch.

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Reader Interactions

118Comments

  1. 1.

    Tom Levenson

    January 5, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    What’s it take to score a reservation at this restaurant?

  2. 2.

    Van Buren

    January 5, 2018 at 7:46 pm

    I”m not sure I trust your reporting. You better let me come over and taste for myself.

  3. 3.

    debbie

    January 5, 2018 at 7:50 pm

    I’m making stew tomorrow night. What better way to use the potatoes and carrots sitting in the refrigerator since last week?

  4. 4.

    Curt

    January 5, 2018 at 7:50 pm

    I just want to reiterate, your early posts about how much you love Lily prompted me to adopt my own rescue doggy. She also “helps” me change sheets and make the bed. Best thing I’ve ever done, so once again, thanks!

  5. 5.

    MelissaM

    January 5, 2018 at 7:52 pm

    What is this magical soy sauce aged in whiskey barrels?

  6. 6.

    Gravenstone

    January 5, 2018 at 7:52 pm

    I also scored a nicely discounted rib roast after Christmas. As I already had loads of prepared food when I bought it, it’s currently lounging in my freezer (well wrapped against the chill). Figure I’ll break it out for Easter or so. Keeping the bones for stock making sounds like a fine plan.

  7. 7.

    schrodingers_cat

    January 5, 2018 at 7:54 pm

    If you want the bite, then you should go for Telicherry peppercorns, tiny but potent. I am making a seafood stew with cod, mussels, sausage and chickpeas.

  8. 8.

    Gravenstone

    January 5, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    @MelissaM: Guessing it’s something like this. I’ll admit I’ve not heard of such a thing, but am open to new cooking ideas.

  9. 9.

    WaterGirl

    January 5, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    I love Lily. I thought I loved her as much as is humanly possible, but then you gave us this photo and labelled it as Lily protesting the changing of the sheets.

    Even her protests are sweet, in contrast to the protests of my wild animals.

  10. 10.

    T S

    January 5, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    Just like I had a sinking feeling October 2016, I have it again. The bad guys are winning. “Mueller Time” ain’t a thing.

    As I said in 2016, Please, God, make me be wrong. I will gladly endure your calls for me to eat crow and general ridicule.

  11. 11.

    John Cole

    January 5, 2018 at 7:56 pm

    @MelissaM: Right here. Expensive, but I have made 100ml last for over a year. Just use Kikkoman for things where it will not matter.

  12. 12.

    Geeno

    January 5, 2018 at 7:57 pm

    My wife made a delicious beef stew for new year’s eve with a nice crusty sourdough loaf for dipping. We’re old, instead of going out drinking, we eat a big meal and pass out early.

  13. 13.

    donnah

    January 5, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    I made beef stew for supper tonight, too. It’s a much simpler recipe, just beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic and seasoning. But the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender and the veggies firm and delicious. I also baked crescent rolls.

    Hearty fare for another chilly evening. And tonight I’m soaking navy beans to make ham and bean soup tomorrow. I like cooking in the winter.

  14. 14.

    FlyingToaster

    January 5, 2018 at 7:59 pm

    @Tom Levenson: Just remember, the next morning, you’ll wake up in West Virginia…

  15. 15.

    Sab

    January 5, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    OMG, you use soy sauce in stew? My sister’s mother-in-law from China used to watch American cooking shows decades ago. She had no English, but she would try her best to recreate the American recipes she saw on TV. She used to make beef stew with soy sauce that looked exactly like my mother’s, but tasted completely different. Both versions were delicious.

  16. 16.

    Yarrow

    January 5, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    I’m eating leftover black-eyed peas for dinner. Easy meal.

  17. 17.

    normal liberal

    January 5, 2018 at 8:05 pm

    @schrodingers_cat:
    Telicherry peppercorns produce the Platonic ideal of ground pepper. Once I started using it I finally understood its historic use as currency. In a word, yum.

  18. 18.

    Yarrow

    January 5, 2018 at 8:10 pm

    Lily is the bestest doggie! It’s always a treat to see a picture of her. Smart girl staying curled up where it’s warm. You can change those sheets later.

  19. 19.

    albertZ

    January 5, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Doing a Friday (home-made) pizza night. Good excuse to crank the oven up to 450 when it’s 5 deg. out (-15 wind chill) with the lake effect snow engine in full force here in Syracuse.

  20. 20.

    MelissaM

    January 5, 2018 at 8:18 pm

    @John Cole: Thanks. I’ll put it on the wishlist and see what happens!

  21. 21.

    germy

    January 5, 2018 at 8:21 pm

    I didn’t know Alex Trebek had to take a break from Jeopardy for brain surgery.

    He’s recovering and doing fine.

  22. 22.

    Dia

    January 5, 2018 at 8:22 pm

    Here in NYC it’s cold. Not cold like other places are, but still plenty cold for NYC. Walked home and the bars and restaurants were all open and lit but mostly empty.
    Currently roasting vegetables in the oven, mostly to heat up the apartment.

  23. 23.

    eemom

    January 5, 2018 at 8:22 pm

    couple of

    Oh, Cole — you DO care, after all….❤️❤️❤️

  24. 24.

    Jager

    January 5, 2018 at 8:36 pm

    We got three great meals out of our Christmas prime rib plus sandwiches. (and treats for Anze the Dog) Of the three the onion soup was number 1.

  25. 25.

    JMG

    January 5, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    Leftover penne with a lamb and red sweet pepper (as well as hot pepper) sauce tonight. One of Alice’s best dishes. I have to do our first post-New Year’s grocery shop tomorrow and am dreading going outside after today’s snow clearing work. Hunger is a strong motivator, however.

  26. 26.

    frosty

    January 5, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    @T S: Stay strong. The same thing happened during Watergate. I may have the dates wrong,but I think it was the winter of 73-74 (or maybe 72-73?) when I read the comics page and threw the rest of the paper out because the Nixon crowd was winning. And then all hell broke loose and I read it front to back.

  27. 27.

    amygdala

    January 5, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    Sounds yummy. I might add the peas after opening the pressure cooker when it’s all done, so they don’t get mushy, but minor point.

    Oh, and some mushrooms, but I know not everyone likes those.

    A picture of the stew and your furry family glaring at you for not sharing would be most welcome.

  28. 28.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    January 5, 2018 at 8:53 pm

    You all mocked Kris Kobach and his noble crusade against voter fraud

    For the past few years, Que J. Fullmer has split his time between Kansas and Colorado. He owns a cattle company and roughly 1,000 acres in Syracuse, Kansas, and his wife lives in Brighton, Colorado, where the couple owns a home and 300 acres.
    In November 2016, Fullmer cast ballots in both states. He figured that because he pays taxes in both places, he was entitled to have his voice heard in local and state races in two states. He only voted for president, Donald Trump, in Kansas.

  29. 29.

    Aleta

    January 5, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    Made gyoza w/ lots of ginger and cabbage, fried in hot pepper sesame oil; made rice and steamed some edamame. Then made a sour cherry pie to cheer up my roommate, who’s having a rough time. Instead of a top crust I mixed some oatmeal, walnuts, butter, ground almond flour. (Darn, now I see I forgot the cinnamon. But there is some in the cherries.) It’s still cooling now.

    Shoveled the roof today. The outside temperature is dropping like a comatose iguana.

  30. 30.

    Princess Leia

    January 5, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    Did Yuki get adopted?

  31. 31.

    Yarrow

    January 5, 2018 at 9:00 pm

    @T S: No they’re not. Republicans are trying everything they can think of right now because we are nearing the endgame and they’re terrified. They will not win. It’s going to be crazy, though. Hold on because it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

  32. 32.

    Yarrow

    January 5, 2018 at 9:01 pm

    @Princess Leia: Yes. What happened to Yuki? Is that why Lily is despondent? Her best friend is no longer there?

  33. 33.

    amygdala

    January 5, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    @Aleta: There is something worse than a comatose iguana … A bag full of iguanas coming back to life, in your warm car, when you thought they were dead from the cold.

  34. 34.

    Steeplejack

    January 5, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    “He only voted for president, Donald Trump, in Kansas.”

    Right . . .

    Because someone who makes up his own rules can totally be trusted.

  35. 35.

    Aleta

    January 5, 2018 at 9:12 pm

    @amygdala: Lying on their side or back like that, they look like cartoon characters. If only their tongues were hanging out.

  36. 36.

    No Drought No More

    January 5, 2018 at 9:13 pm

    Speaking of marijuana, the red robins in my neighborhood have begun their yearly bacchanal courtesy of a type of red berry that grows around here. A few of them didn’t even flinch this afternoon when I walked right up to a window, on the other side of which they were chowing down the berries like drunks slamming beers at a bar. One stared me square in the eye the whole time, and as close as I was, it could not have cared less that I was there. It just picked, chomped, and stared blissfully at me until I walked away. If it’s mouth wasn’t so full, it probably would have sang the How Dry I Am song. If that bird is prone to hangovers, tomorrow will no doubt prove a rough day.

  37. 37.

    efgoldman

    January 5, 2018 at 9:23 pm

    @No Drought No More:

    A few of them didn’t even flinch this afternoon when I walked right up to a window

    I think most wild animals don’t see/know that anything is on the other side of the window.
    A few years ago, when deer were desperate for food in the huge snows, they came literally within inches of the house and never reacted when we looked out at them from inches away.

  38. 38.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 9:32 pm

    @T S: Take a deep breath. The bad guys are panicking. Notice who you haven’t heard from this week? Bob Mueller and anyone on his team. Why? Because they are doing what they’re supposed to be doing. If you think having the GOP declare war on the FBI and the career personnel at DOJ is a sign of winning you’re wrong. It is a sign of panic. Going to war with the IC was stupid enough. Opening another front against the career FBI and DOJ is galactically stupid.

  39. 39.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    January 5, 2018 at 9:34 pm

    TBogg @ tbogg
    Trump: “We’re changing your name, Bannon.”
    Barron: “It’s Barron.”
    Trump: “Wait. You talk?”
    Barron: “Yeah, I—”
    Trump: “Whatever, I don’t need to hear your life story. What do you think of ‘Don Jr: The Reboot’? I’m having the other one killed. Just think about it”
    Barron: [sigh]

  40. 40.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    January 5, 2018 at 9:36 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: and I can’t imagine MI-6 (or 5, or the British gov’t in general) is gonna take real kindly to Lindsey calling an investigation of an apparently well-respected and well-connected retiree. Mr Smiley will not be amused.

  41. 41.

    rikyrah

    January 5, 2018 at 9:37 pm

    Looks delicious, Cole ?
    Lily is beautiful.
    I have not been online as much lately because of.work.
    Did you find a home for that darling dog?

  42. 42.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: Every one of these they find has been a Republican so far. And they don’t find many.

  43. 43.

    Barbara

    January 5, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    My favorite thickening technique is to mix softened butter with flour into a ball and mix it into the gravy at a simmer.

  44. 44.

    Baud

    January 5, 2018 at 9:39 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: As long as he had a photo ID in both places, it’s all copacetic.

  45. 45.

    Mary G

    January 5, 2018 at 9:39 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: Yep; there’s blood in the water now. Chuck Grassley and Lindsay Graham have really jumped the shark. Do you think that the Russians have kompromat on them too, or is it just reflexive Republican obedience to authority?

  46. 46.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: They will not be amused. The British Intel folks are already pissed and concerned. This isn’t going to help the relationship.

  47. 47.

    Ohio Mom

    January 5, 2018 at 9:44 pm

    @frosty: Your moment of despair must have been during the winter of 1972-73.

    My high school graduation was in June ’73 and just about the only thing I remember was the famous alum starting his speech with, “You will remember graduating today but you will probably forget that while we are here, John Dean is testifying.”

    Of course that guaranteed we’d remember. Even those of us who were a little foggy on who exactly John Dean was.

  48. 48.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 9:44 pm

    @Mary G: We know that the GOP stuff was hacked. That was reported back in December shortly after I confided on the front page that one of my worst fears was that both sides were hacked, but the GOP stuff was being held back for influence and leverage. We know they definitely got Graham’s stuff as a few pieces were leaked via DC Leaks back in late Spring 2016. I honestly really don’t understand their play here.

  49. 49.

    SiubhanDuinne

    January 5, 2018 at 9:46 pm

    Lily is such a little beauty. She always reminds me of a fawn.

  50. 50.

    raven

    January 5, 2018 at 9:46 pm

    We are both sick as Dawgs after our marathon Rose trip. I managed to make a nice chicken soup from frozen breasts. The Instant Pot rocks!

  51. 51.

    amygdala

    January 5, 2018 at 9:49 pm

    @T S: You’ve gotten some great support and advice from frosty, Yarrow, and Adam. Only thing I’d add is that taking a break to do something that’ll help you recharge is perfectly fine. And to ignore anyone who gives you grief for feeling overwhelmed. Part of sticking together is having the backs of people who need a break before getting back in the saddle. And stick together we must in order to get our country back.

  52. 52.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 9:50 pm

    @amygdala: Excellent advice. Pace yourself. Attend to the little things you can make a real impact in – personally and professionally.

  53. 53.

    Jeffro

    January 5, 2018 at 9:51 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: yeeeeup.

  54. 54.

    randy khan

    January 5, 2018 at 9:54 pm

    @Adam L Silverman:

    Thanks for that. It’s worth repeating.

  55. 55.

    Steeplejack

    January 5, 2018 at 9:58 pm

    @Baud:

    As long as he had a photo ID in both places, it’s all copacetic.

    Interesting, because presumably in one of the two places his photo ID, (assumed to be) his driver’s license, would stick out like a sore thumb as being from a different state. Definitely grounds for enhanced vetting.

  56. 56.

    SiubhanDuinne

    January 5, 2018 at 9:58 pm

    @raven:

    Have you sold your tix for Monday?

  57. 57.

    Gin & Tonic

    January 5, 2018 at 10:00 pm

    @Steeplejack: Not if he had a separate license for each state.

  58. 58.

    SteveinSC

    January 5, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    In regard to Tom Steyer, does anyone know what the current count is on the impeachment call? I don’t know if it is the bots again or what, but the Google only returns stuff from November. I know someone is reporting the count, so I think all Google searches are being blocked. BTW, I tweeted to Grassley and asked him who was the top, him or Lindsey.

  59. 59.

    raven

    January 5, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: One, I decided to go.

  60. 60.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    @randy khan: As much as I disagree with what he’s doing, AG Sessions has made it known that he isn’t going to resign because he’s finally in a place where he can make happen what he believes needs to happen (Exhibit A: the marijuana policy change yesterday). It was reported a couple of months back that his position is that the President will have to fire him because he’s not resigning. And the President actually hates to fire people.

  61. 61.

    Jay S

    January 5, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: Yep, it’s voter fraud projection. They know they would do it if they had the opportunity so obviously the other side is doing it harder and better. Thus there is no crime in them doing unto others what they are certain that we are doing to them.
    Ironically it’s precious few acting, just wishing they could.

  62. 62.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 10:05 pm

    @randy khan: And you are quite welcome. I wish I didn’t have to write any of this stuff. On the front page or in comments.

  63. 63.

    Another Scott

    January 5, 2018 at 10:09 pm

    @SteveinSC: https://www.needtoimpeach.com/ has 4,117,947 and counting at the moment.

    HTH.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  64. 64.

    Davebo

    January 5, 2018 at 10:09 pm

    I love a standing rib roast and want to do one in my new big easy oilless turkey fryer. It’s worked great for two legs of lamb, ribs and obviously a turkey. I think it would make a killer hassle free rib roast.

  65. 65.

    Another Scott

    January 5, 2018 at 10:11 pm

    @raven: Get well soon, both of you!

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  66. 66.

    Steeplejack

    January 5, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    @Gin & Tonic:

    Not that easy to do. Speaking from my experience in Virginia, you have to either (1) surrender your license from state A to get a new one in state B or (2) attest that you do not have a current license in another state, in which case you have to take the written and driving exams in state B to get a license.

    What occurred to me is that one of the states might have more casual ID requirements than the other, or that (for example) Fullmer used different ID documents, e.g., driver’s license in one state, passport in the other. (I can’t remember whether a passport has your address, but he could say, “Hey, I got this years ago and there was no need to update it.”)

  67. 67.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 10:18 pm

    @Steeplejack: It is possible to get out of state conceal carry licenses. They do have your actual home address on them, but if he had an actual physical address in both states it is possible he could have his driver’s license in one and conceal carry licenses with two different addresses – one from each state.

  68. 68.

    clay

    January 5, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    @Adam L Silverman:

    AG Sessions has made it known that he isn’t going to resign because he’s finally in a place where he can make happen what he believes needs to happen (Exhibit A: the marijuana policy change yesterday). It was reported a couple of months back that his position is that the President will have to fire him because he’s not resigning. And the President actually hates to fire people.

    That’s why I was surprised when the NYT reported that Sessions had actually submitted a resignation letter over the summer. When did he grow a spine in this, I wonder?

  69. 69.

    Gin & Tonic

    January 5, 2018 at 10:24 pm

    @Steeplejack: My wife had two driver’s licenses for quite a long time.

  70. 70.

    Steeplejack

    January 5, 2018 at 10:27 pm

    Jeez, Jennifer Rubin is getting so warm and fuzzy—so non-Republican—that she’s actually making humorous small talk with her MSNBC hosts.

    To Katy Tur (sitting in for Lawrence O’Donnell): “Well, first of all, Katy, I am sorry that the president didn’t threaten to ban your book, because I’m sure that would have been a big help to the sales.”

    Tur: “He did tweet about the book on the day of its release, saying I had no access. There was that.”

    Rubin was almost bubbly. Don’t know if I’m ready for bubbly Jennifer Rubin.

  71. 71.

    frosty

    January 5, 2018 at 10:28 pm

    @Ohio Mom: I think you’re right, because I spent a bunch of the summer of ’73 looking for work, crashing on a friend’s couch, and watching the hearings. Fall of ’72 was probably the grim time.

  72. 72.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 10:28 pm

    @clay: He submitted it on principle. Subsequent reporting has indicated that that was the case and that once it was rejected, but the President has still sniped at him publicly, he would not resign.
    http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/343779-sessions-says-he-wont-resign-despite-trump-criticism-report
    http://time.com/4866280/jeff-sessions-donald-trump-resign-recuse/
    https://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/20/sessions-says-he-plans-to-stay-on-as-attorney-general-after-trump-criticism-240755

  73. 73.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 10:29 pm

    @Steeplejack: She still sucked up to Sasse in her column today. So one step forward, one step back.

  74. 74.

    Steeplejack

    January 5, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    @Adam L Silverman, @Gin & Tonic:

    I think the underlying point, if you guys could stop sawing sawdust for a moment, is that the “photo ID” requirement that is supposed to be the bulwark against massive voter fraud is pretty much bullshit.

  75. 75.

    bystander

    January 5, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    Ale makes great stock, too. And for thickening, try the Belgian method: a slice of gingerbread spread with straight mustard put into the stew for an hour before serving.

  76. 76.

    frosty

    January 5, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    @Steeplejack: Drivers license in one, passport in the other, and he’s home free. Passport doesn’t have an address, though, but his utility bills would have taken care of that when he registered.

    Feasible? What say you all?

  77. 77.

    Mike in DC

    January 5, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    I think the theory that Mueller will tie the three “buckets” of charges (obstruction, conspiracy with Russia, financial crimes) into a well-documented narrative of an overarching conspiracy is likely dead-on. The question to my mind is, how does that play out over the next 12-18 months? Who gets charged with what, and when? Who cuts a deal? When does Trump (and Pence) get interviewed? How far does the conspiracy extend–the VP, the RNC, right wing media, congressional leadership? How far does Congress go to defend the administration? How far will a Democratic congress go to uphold the rule of law?

  78. 78.

    Another Scott

    January 5, 2018 at 10:33 pm

    Relatedly, since every thread here is an OpenThread, … Résistance Land Shark Ω asks: Did Mueller flip Rosenstein?

    Wheels within wheels. It’s getting really weird, all the speculation…

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  79. 79.

    bystander

    January 5, 2018 at 10:33 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    Don’t know if I’m ready for bubbly Jennifer Rubin.

    Pepto is your friend.

  80. 80.

    gene108

    January 5, 2018 at 10:33 pm

    @Adam L Silverman:

    I honestly really don’t understand their play here.

    Republicans could fall on their swords for the good of the country and not care what the Russians have. They would lose some elections. But the Russian hold on our government would be less or even none.

    But these are immoral, evil, greedy bastards, who only care about winning at any cost. No matter they do to our country.

    Their play is to cling onto power as long as possible, by any means necessary.

    Given the billionaires that have their back, they figure they can rebound from a couple of Dem years, like they did in 2010.

    Take a chance Mueller is only able to get dirt on Trump and Co and Congressional R’s avoid the worst of their dirty laundry aired and can still cling to power.

  81. 81.

    Steeplejack

    January 5, 2018 at 10:34 pm

    @Adam L Silverman:

    She hasn’t announced that she’s done with the Republicans, so she definitely hasn’t had a “road to Damascus” moment. I think that if Trump goes away (by whatever means) and some “reasonable” Republican appears who has broad shoulders and a whiff of Old Spice she’ll be right back in the fold.

  82. 82.

    cmorenc

    January 5, 2018 at 10:34 pm

    @John Cole:

    Not as thick as I was hoping, but it will thicken up a touch.

    An easy way to tweak your beef stew’s thickness is with a small can of shake flour. You could do the same thing with regular flour and a sifter, but that’s potentially more laborious and messy, and riskier for inadvertently creating undesired lumps, and the can of Gold Medal brand shake four is apx $3.00 and will last you a long time. I recommend pressing the easy button here and buy the shake flour can.

    Two key things: 1) have the otherwise finished stew simmering right at the edge of slightly, but not vigorously boiling when adding the shake flour in. You’re not going to need to stay in this mode but five minutes or less, so no danger of over-cooking. 2) progressively sprinkle in the flower in increments of no more than apx 1 to 2 teaspoons at a time , and continuously stir the flour in until it homogeneously blends with and disappears into the broth (takes 10-15 sec).. What you want to avoid is shaking in too much too fast or in too concentrated an area, which can result in little lumps of flour that don’t homogeneously dissolve or blend and can be a pain to find and break up.

    I said two things, but the third is that if you don’t eat the entire batch of beef stew in one sitting and you let it cool and later reheat if for another meal, the broth will likely be noticeably thicker (even after reheating) than it seemed on your initial fresh-off-the-stove dining, more like beef stew in gravy than broth. However, this causes no harm whatever to the taste, and in fact makes it even better for toasted bread-dipping into the stew gravy.

  83. 83.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 10:35 pm

    @Steeplejack: Well when you put it that way, sure.

  84. 84.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 10:37 pm

    @Steeplejack: No argument here. During a crisis an ally is an ally. Doesn’t mean you’re going to want them as family when the crisis is over.

  85. 85.

    ??‍? Martin

    January 5, 2018 at 10:38 pm

    @Steeplejack: I put all the credit for that reaction on Katy. If she replaced Lawrence full time MSNBC would get me tuning in for another hour. I think she’s just fantastic.

  86. 86.

    debbie

    January 5, 2018 at 10:43 pm

    @cmorenc:

    Much easier to remove the meat and vegetables and then reduce the liquid until it’s thicker.

  87. 87.

    ??‍? Martin

    January 5, 2018 at 10:45 pm

    @cmorenc: The key to integrating flour or corn starch is to put some in a small container, add an equal amount of liquid and mix it. The small amount of moisture will prevent those hydrophobic compounds from blocking the water from incorporating the starch. One they’re mixed, then you can safely add it to your stew, etc.

  88. 88.

    chopper

    January 5, 2018 at 10:47 pm

    nice stew.

  89. 89.

    chopper

    January 5, 2018 at 10:48 pm

    @cmorenc:

    Wondra is pretty magic shit. works great for thickening sauces at the last minute

  90. 90.

    Steeplejack

    January 5, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    @Adam L Silverman:

    We know they definitely got Graham’s stuff as a few pieces were leaked via DC Leaks back in late Spring 2016. I honestly really don’t understand their play here.

    My personal theory is that the Russians succeeded too well. They have kompromat on all the top Republicans, which they planned to use to exert influence in a Hillary Clinton administration. Meanwhile, various Russian entities, both state-backed and private (through oligarchs) probably funneled money to Trump and to various Republican PACs during the campaign (and maybe before). Now, with Trump in office and the Mueller investigation under way, the danger is that those financial connections will become public and McConnell, Ryan and others will go down in a general conflagration with Trump. So I think the Russians are lying low to avoid betraying any clues of influence and waiting to see what’s left after the storm.

    (This is based on my perhaps foolish hope that the Mueller investigation will widen in scope and end up taking down other corrupt Republicans and not just Trump. I mean, c’mon, if Ken Starr could get from Whitewater to a blow job . . .)

  91. 91.

    chopper

    January 5, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    @debbie:

    I find the best way to go is just to add less liquid than you think you need. the veggies and the meat will give off liquid. I typically make stew or pot roast in the oven with only a little liquid and it ends up not needing reduction at all.

    got a nice le creuset tagine from a friend last week. brand new!

  92. 92.

    Cacti

    January 5, 2018 at 10:55 pm

    Is it just me, or was anyone else a little unsettled that a thread on beef stew started with a picture of a dog?

  93. 93.

    cmorenc

    January 5, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    @??‍? Martin:

    @cmorenc: The key to integrating flour or corn starch is to put some in a small container, add an equal amount of liquid and mix it. The small amount of moisture will prevent those hydrophobic compounds from blocking the water from incorporating the starch. One they’re mixed, then you can safely add it to your stew, etc.

    @debbie:

    Much easier to remove the meat and vegetables and then reduce the liquid until it’s thicker.

    Of course you can alternatively achieve the same result via Martin’s suggestion, and debbie’s suggestion will result in thicker broth, but no it’s not less work than my method, and you won’t get the tasty stew-gravy effect that way either. …and both methods are frankly require more hassle and work than my method (been there, done that with both your suggested methods) – the whole point of doing it my way is that for an investment of $3.00 in a can of shake flour that will keep a long time, my way is ridiculously easy and fool-proof, just don’t get overly fast adding in the flour.

  94. 94.

    Steeplejack

    January 5, 2018 at 10:56 pm

    Okay, gotta watch a German show on MHz that requires reading subtitles, so I shall be sporadic for a while.

  95. 95.

    burnspbesq

    January 5, 2018 at 10:57 pm

    @Steeplejack:

    bubbly Jennifer Rubin.

    That’s really hard to imagine.

  96. 96.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 10:57 pm

    @Steeplejack: No argument here at all. We do have documentation that major GOP/conservative Super PACs, including McConnell’s, received funding from Leonard Blavatnik. He has both US and British citizenship, but is originally from Russia and is an oligarch. He’s also funding the Miami Beach mayor’s (Democrat) race for Congress. And because he’s American, he can funnel money without raising an eyebrow.

    As for your personal hope: part of what Mueller is overseeing is a counterintelligence investigation. He wants to know who the Russians (or any other foreign interests) have touched, why, where, when, and to what effect. He will follow the money and the connections and the influence.

  97. 97.

    SteveinSC

    January 5, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    I put $100 into the Charles Taylor’s (@truefactsstated) billboards attacking the Redneck Riviera’s traitor Rep. Gaetz. Next billboard target is Benedict A. Nunes in California set for late February. When I was a kid I remember the military called portugese, Spaniards with their brains knocked out. Seems appropriate for Devin.

  98. 98.

    NotMax

    January 5, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    she was protesting me changing the sheets. I waited until later.

    Sheesh.

    1) Pick dog up.
    2) Put dog on floor.
    3) Change sheets.

    You pay-a the bills, you make-a the rules.

  99. 99.

    Another Scott

    January 5, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    Relatedly, JeffreyW stew sighting at Eclectablog.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  100. 100.

    SectionH

    January 5, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    @No Drought No More: probably dead thread,
    but drunk robins are a known thing. We regularly had a drunken party around the large holly tree in our front lawn in Lexington. Apparently when the berries are ripe enough which seemed to be late February usually, all the robins in the county would come and have a major kegger. I am so not making this up. You can google drunk robins. I could probably have walked out and collected several dozen of the most drunk ones.

  101. 101.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 11:00 pm

    @chopper:

    I find the best way to go is just to add less liquid than you think you need. the veggies and the meat will give off liquid.

    Amen! I used far too much liquid last week – I actually cut the amount down when I posted the recipe. I drained the excess off and have frozen it as cubes to use as beef stock when I need beef stock in the future.

  102. 102.

    satby

    January 5, 2018 at 11:02 pm

    @Another Scott: and just since you wrote that, the site needtoimpeach has added another 1000 names. Everyone should share that widely and encourage all their Fed up with Drumpf friends to sign.

  103. 103.

    Peter

    January 5, 2018 at 11:04 pm

    @John Cole: I add a couple of anchovies to my beef stew. They disintegrate and add a lot of umami. If you buy shiitakes, their stems make a great addition to your stock pot. And I use miso to thicken stews like this. Tons of umami as well. But it’s salty so take that into account.

  104. 104.

    Peter

    January 5, 2018 at 11:06 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: I do the same thing; I have bags of ice cubes of various stocks and toss them in whatever needs some liquid/flavor/gelatinous smack.

  105. 105.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 11:13 pm

    @SteveinSC: Taylor’s a bit of a crank.

  106. 106.

    SteveinSC

    January 5, 2018 at 11:16 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: Well yes he might be, but like Lincoln said of Grant, “At least he fights.” Do you?

  107. 107.

    Steeplejack

    January 5, 2018 at 11:18 pm

    @Adam L Silverman:

    My fear is that Mueller will root out the whole mess but that the “powers that be” will decide a general conflagration would be too threatening to the stability of the status quo (and the survival of the Republican Party). So, “for the good of the country,” the damage would be limited to the excision of Trump and his close associates—perhaps with strategic resignations by a few senior senators and representatives deciding that they want to spend more time with their families. And the whole thing would be buried à la Iran/​Contra.

    Perhaps some elements in law enforcement or the intelligence community would see the long-range dangers of what would amount to at least a partial whitewash, but that seems a frail reed on which to hang one’s hopes.

  108. 108.

    frosty

    January 5, 2018 at 11:19 pm

    @NotMax: Inconvenience the dog? You sound like you’re new to Balloon Juice. //

  109. 109.

    Matt McIrvin

    January 5, 2018 at 11:21 pm

    @Adam L Silverman: My worry isn’t that the bad guys are winning. It’s that when they really, truly realize they’re losing, that’s when they go violently crazy, one way or another. Trump has his nuclear war, or his conventional war, or he starts actually having the opposition arrested (we’re seeing rumblings in that direction), or else he just starts outright tweeting for his fans to start burning down houses and murdering people, and we get to see how many of them will do it.

  110. 110.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 11:43 pm

    @SteveinSC: Sure, Claude Taylor fights. On behalf of the Marshal of the Supreme Court, as part of the Eagles of Justice. And that Marshal of the Supreme Court, Taylor and his nutty partner, have reported will name Orin Hatch president. So sure, he’s just like Ulysses S. Grant. Or a guy you’d cross the street to avoid.

  111. 111.

    chopper

    January 5, 2018 at 11:48 pm

    @Peter:

    I save all my chicken leftover parts and bones in the chest freezer. when I have about 20 lbs I make super concentrated stock in the pressure cooker, cook it down til it’s about 8x concentrate and freeze it in ice cube trays. one cube makes a cup of stock. great for adding straight to pan sauces, or really just about anything.

  112. 112.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 5, 2018 at 11:59 pm

    @Steeplejack: I’m not sure Mueller, based on his reputation, plays that way. But the US does have a predilection for just shoving everything under the rug so as not to upset anyone and hope for the best going forward. We are not, despite what we like to believe about ourselves as a society, a brave people.

  113. 113.

    Adam L Silverman

    January 6, 2018 at 12:03 am

    @Matt McIrvin: I understand what you’re concerned about. But all one can do is stay informed and alert and not borrow trouble from the future that might not otherwise arrive.

  114. 114.

    Steeplejack

    January 6, 2018 at 12:23 am

    @Adam L Silverman:

    I think the decision would be made far above Mueller’s pay grade. I would see him more as being in the law enforcement/​I.C. faction that would be dissatisfied with the cover-up.

  115. 115.

    Cathie from Canada

    January 6, 2018 at 12:25 am

    Maybe it was mentioned upstream, but I now use Mark Bittman’s stew recipe, from “How to Cook Everything”. He doesn’t bother flouring the meat first, so that makes it a lot easier, I find.
    I brown the meat well in a little oil, then take it out and make an onion gravy (caramelize some chopped onions in butter/olive oil, sprinkle with flour to make a roux, add stock to taste. I usually throw in a can of consome as well). Then I put the meat back into the gravy and cook it for an hour or so, then add chopped vegetables for another 45 minutes or more.

  116. 116.

    Aleta

    January 6, 2018 at 12:45 am

    @Cathie from Canada: Yum. The onion roux gravy way sounds delish.

  117. 117.

    T S

    January 6, 2018 at 12:50 am

    @Adam L Silverman: A lot of people have been seriously wounded and/or killed by desperate, cornered animals.

  118. 118.

    SectionH

    January 6, 2018 at 1:45 am

    @Steeplejack:

    and Adam. I hope Not This Time, but sounds sadly too plausible.

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