Photo: Great grandparents at their farm in Blandinsville, IL, with five of their six children .. my grandpa was yet a twinkle in grandma's eye. Stable boy and governess also pictured. Hodges farm, circa 1903-4

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Simple Food For Cold Autumn Nights

Minced Beef With Gravy
Serves 3-4

1 pound quality ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion (or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion)
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons flour
approximately 2 - 3 cups homemade (unsalted) beef stock*


In a large well seasoned skillet brown the beef, crumbling well; leave about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.  Add the onion and cook for a few minutes .. stirring often.  Add salt and pepper and the flour until all is coated well.  Gradually stir in the stock a cup at a time while mixing to thicken.  Adjust seasonings.  

Serve over mashed potatoes or cooked rice.

*If you don't have beef stock .. you can brown the flour in the pan before adding 1 cup of whole milk and enough additional filtered water to thicken the gravy.

This is basically a 'hamburger helper' style recipe .. without all the artificial ingredients.


German Style Red Cabbage With Apples

Serves 4
2 tblsp butter
3 cups shredded red cabbage
2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar                          
1/2 cup diced tart apple                                        
1/8 to 1/4 cup diced onion
up to to 1 tablespoon cane sugar (to taste)
salt and pepper to taste

Cook cabbage, apples and onion in melted butter in medium size skillet approximately 5 minutes.  Add splash of vinegar, sugar and salt.  Cover and simmer until tender (20-25 minutes).

Each day we eat fresh fruit and veggies to provide enzymes along with a fermented food such as salad dressings made with raw apple cider or red wine vinegar.   Enjoy!



2 comments:

Stella Jones said...

That looks lovely and very nutritious. I've never had that much red cabbage on my plate at one time. I may try it. I'm very fond of green cabbage, but red cabbage is a new friend to make acquaintance with!
I have eaten Hamburger Helper several times when in the states with Larry. I usually add onion to it to add to the flavour. It is very basic otherwise but perfect for men who are not familiar with the kitchen! to cook...

Sandy Livesay said...

There is nothing better than comfort food. Everything looks so delicious and I'm late to come over and have a bite, darn!!!