There are a few meals I make where there are no comments or opinions, just blissful silence marred only by the methodical clicking of the spoon against the bowl. Orange Cocoa Beef Stew is one of these meals for us and although it takes time to simmer, your time during preparation is minimal.
As an avid cookbook fiend, I’ve made what seems like 100 different beef stew recipes. Over the years, I’ve melded all my experiences into one recipe that suits us all.
My husband loves a true Beef Bourguignon but the kids are a little turned off by a broth that contains a bottle of red wine. Of course, we refuse to omit wine entirely but we compromise by reducing the amount of wine and accentuating it with beef broth.
All of us can agree on a bit of cocoa and twist of orange. I even toss in a cinnamon stick, which not only seems to make sense during the winter months for its spicy warmth but may also offer other health benefits. Lab studies suggest cinnamon may help fight inflammation, have antioxidant properties and lower blood sugar levels in the body. *
Velvety dark, thick and filling, our family’s Orange Cocoa Beef Stew captures the sensory pleasures of this very cold season. Spicy cocoa and orange aromas are memories I hope my kids will always associate with winter days.
A cold wintry night with dark clouds covering the stars threatens to release snow for the morning. We sit down for a family meal in the evening then dim the lights for drama. Although in a household with two tween girls, we might argue we have more drama than we need.
Regardless, it makes us especially appreciative for the blissful silence that follows as our spoons reach for our bowls. A little bit of drama in our stew is the one thing these days on which we can all agree.
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*WebMD