how-to video

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Not Ur Grandma’s Beef Stew

beef stew

beef stew

Yes, I confess. I’m an Italian food junkie. But sometimes my American side kicks in. Pancakes, hot dogs, hamburgers, mashed potatoes, grilled cheese sandwich, BLT, (endless list). The other day I was hankering for beef stew. It’s fun to gather ingredients and just dive in (following simple braising methods) and put together a yummy stew. I served it over rice. Duane and I demolished it.

Because I created it on the spot (but with the usual characters cooking in the pan), and since Duane wrote this cool music to accompany the process, I call it: Not Ur Grandma’s Beef Stew.

This under 1-minute video tells all. 🙂

 

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How to Make a Quick Simple Tomato Sauce

quick tomato sauce

quick tomato sauce

Maybe when I was 17, away at college, and wanting to feel like a cook…maybe…I bought a jar of Ragu. I know I can imagine what it tastes like, so I must have bought one once.

But never again. What’s the point? When you can outdo that taste so easily. When you can make your own tomato sauce in 15 minutes.

I had so much fun making this short video of how-to make your own simple quick (and delicious) tomato sauce.

I’ve probably bubbled this up thousands of times. Not only for pasta, but to slip in a few fillets of fish. Or spoon on an eggplant parmigiano. Or to top a pizza. It goes everywhere!

Simple Tomato Sauce

2-3 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, cunt into small dice

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes

3-4 sprigs fresh herbs, i.e. basil, sage or oregano (optional)

salt & pepper to taste (pinch hot pepper, optional)

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan. Add the diced onion. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic. Cook for about a minute until fragrant (but not browned). Add the wine. Let it almost completely evaporate. Then add the tomatoes. Stir to combine. Season with salt & pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Add  fresh herbs before serving.