I don't know what part of the country you are in, dear reader. I can tell you that here, in Southwestern Pennsylvania, it is cold. I am not describing just a brief chill but a deep, bone-chilling cold that makes one not want to go outside unless one has to walk one's large, obnoxious dog or break through layers of ice multiple times a day for one's animals to drink. With animals, one has no choice but to bundle up and get tasks done as quickly as possible. My bib overall-wearing buddy spoils me. He has been watering my chickens, feeding my geese, and caring for the goats so I don't have to go out into the cold. The only thing he doesn't do is walk Buster. Buster does not want to venture out for too long, either. Yesterday, given the choice of going for a walk or sleeping on a pile of The Bean's dirty laundry, he chose the latter.
Weather like we have experienced the past few weeks makes me crave warm, cozy comfort food. I have forced myself to refrain from making soup no more than once a week. However, dark winter weather makes my soul crave meals from my childhood, thick, comforting stews, and the occasional spiced baked treat. Our work in the studio is on track, and we are well caught up from the holiday rush. Our girls only produce an average of three cups of milk daily. When milk production is down, so is soap and moisturizer production. I have time to work on house projects and spend rare, nonplussed time in the kitchen. Today, I think I will take advantage of that time and begin my kitchen overhaul. That will begin with painting the ceiling. Sigh, I hate to paint ceilings. If I am working on painting the kitchen, I must simplify my meals. The recipe I share today can be made in the crockpot for hands-off simplicity or in the oven. I have done both and am pleased with the results.
When I was a kid, my mom made a simple meal she called Long Island Pot Pie. I have researched and Googled this recipe and the ingredients but have come up empty-handed. I am unsure where the recipe originated. However, as a kid, it was one of my favorites. The ingredients are pantry staples: tomato sauce, carrots, ground beef, onion, diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, a bit of sugar, and biscuits. My mom always made Bisquick biscuits, but you could substitute them with your favorite biscuit recipe. This recipe comes together rather quickly and is warm, comforting, and filling. It is the perfect cold-weather meal. Let's get started.
Long Island Pot Pie
-1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained of fat
-4 large potatoes: I like Yukon Gold potatoes
-5-6 carrots, cleaned, peeled, and sliced into chunks
-1 large onion chopped
-2 16oz. cans of tomato sauce
-1 TBLS. Worcestershire sauce
-1 TBLS. sugar
-1 tsp. garlic powder
-salt and pepper to taste
-In a Dutch oven or large, heavy skillet, brown the ground beef and drain the fat
-Add the onion and spices, cook until the onions are translucent
-Add the tomato and Worcestershire sauce and simmer for five minutes
-Add the potatoes and carrots if using a crockpot or Dutch oven. If using a large skillet, transfer the contents to a large, heavy baking dish.
-Combine all ingredients and bake for one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes at 350 degrees.
-Combine all ingredients and cook on low for six to eight hours if using a crockpot
-When thirty minutes of cooking time remain, mix up your biscuits and bake them following your recipe's directions
-Serve the stew in bowls and top with the biscuits
-Enjoy
On this cold January day, stay safe, be smart, enjoy delicious comfort food, and wash your hands.
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