Hearty Venison Stew

Barry went to the hockey game tonight with his friend Jon, so it's just the monkeys and me. I decided on something easy, but good for you for dinner, and this is one of our faves...thought you all might enjoy! And if you aren't lucky enough to have a deer hunter in your life, then you can certainly substitute beef!

Hearty Venison Stew
2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 lb stew meat, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 tbsp oil
1 small onion, chopped
2-3 stalks thickly sliced celery
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
12.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 thickly sliced carrots
1 tsp beef bouillon
1/2 tsp ground thyme
1 large potato, cut into 1 inch pieces

Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add meat and toss well to coat. Heat oil in large skillet over med-high heat. Add meat, onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 6-8 minutes or until meat is no longer pink and veggies are tender. Add tomatoes with juice, carrots, bouillon, and thyme. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes or so. Add potato and cook, stirring occasionally for 25 more minutes or until meat is tender. YUM!!

It's really good, I promise!!!

And guess what else, guys???? I actually got to take a 2 hour nap today!!! WOW, it's amazing what a good nap will do for you. I was so surly this morning...but now, I'm all set for an evening of fun with the monkeys! Barry has to get up and get moving early tomorrow as someone is looking at the Grand Prix...and then I have to head to the store to pick up supplies for the baby shower. Thank goodness I remembered to order the cake today! Now, if I can just make it through the weekend without any major screw-ups, then I can focus on Kendall's birthday weekend...2 parties (one family and one with the girls of her class), followed by cupcakes on Monday for her class. Then that will be followed by a month of rewards: the first weekend of February I am going to an overnight scrapbooking retreat with friends and then at the end of the month I am getting to go along with Barry to Savannah for a work trip. (HE will be working, not me! I will napping, reading, walking, and eating...and eating...and eating...and did I mention napping???) I think think by the time we get there I will have earned it!! A whole adult weekend... no kids. Ah, but you know how it goes, parents...it sounds so good, but hell if you don't miss those little buggers like crazy! Speaking of those 2 crazy kids...here they are again, partners in crime! Kendall has been an amazing big sister. She LOVES her brother and takes every opportunity to show him off, even when he's not being very cooperative! Here, she is playing Webkinz or Club Penguin, I can't remember which. Noah will just sit and watch her play for hours, if I'd let them. But, as tempting as it is sometimes, I don't. Just being honest!

Well, have a good weekend everyone!