Minimalist Kitchen Idea: comfort food recipes

Last weekend was my birthday weekend - that's right, weekend.  Our trip to Seaside was my real birthday gift (along with a new fancy camera lens), so my only request for my actual birthday weekend was to spend a cozy weekend in lounging around and feast on comfort food.<br /><br />Photo Note : So, even though I got a new fancy lens for my birthday, I forgot to have  it with me most of the weekend - sorry!!  I think after vacation I was  sooo photoed out.  But, I am sharing my phone photos that I posted on <a href="http://instagram.com/jennysteffenshobick">instagram</a> mixed with some of my 'real' photos from my birthday dinner. <br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />On Saturday (my actual birthday), Mike and I got to sleep in (a real gift these days!), made <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/02/biscuits-gravy-blizzard-breakfast.html">biscuits and gravy</a> (talk about a comfort food weekend...) and I lounged on the couch and drank coffee with the fire roaring.  What a glamorous life I lead!  Isn't it funny how you good it feels to indulge in the simplest things sometimes?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4BiIXbHK5LvNlkyZEgjRAEYuHnODlP-9m6fo_USuhRyNiybd7i113v-_b2eM3pYJZKP1lb9u55g4PjpffMmlpB-Ln30ocDZ3WmWPEgtfdnJLE7edGTtV9jOoNXhh97yiqm7NZLKYb8U/s1600/sledding.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4BiIXbHK5LvNlkyZEgjRAEYuHnODlP-9m6fo_USuhRyNiybd7i113v-_b2eM3pYJZKP1lb9u55g4PjpffMmlpB-Ln30ocDZ3WmWPEgtfdnJLE7edGTtV9jOoNXhh97yiqm7NZLKYb8U/s1600/sledding.jpg" /></a>When Emma got home from her sleepover we took her sledding - my birthday seems to always be either sun or snow.  Did I mention that we have a 1ft+ of snow?  It greeted us when we got home from vacation last week.  She was so-so about sledding and the snow in general, but loved to be pulled in the little tot sled we borrowed from our neighbors.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7hriBfP-fccnoNzwPMIBAbfSxx3NVl1wOqkk13nnMK-YNDTbIJgj8SjSmKXJqaHRMaj9eVYgYdR8mn8i1vMe-bIIoqS-FS1HFomnBt1ldZLl7SFAIDgcxdhNdAzFhlT-91cJkOjwxJs/s1600/ig+filets.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7hriBfP-fccnoNzwPMIBAbfSxx3NVl1wOqkk13nnMK-YNDTbIJgj8SjSmKXJqaHRMaj9eVYgYdR8mn8i1vMe-bIIoqS-FS1HFomnBt1ldZLl7SFAIDgcxdhNdAzFhlT-91cJkOjwxJs/s1600/ig+filets.jpg" /></a> (instagram photo)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mike and I enjoyed a late night dinner at home after Emma went to bed - seared filets with a reduced wine and mushroom sauce and truffle mashed potatoes.  Mike said, "I love that you can go in the kitchen and just whip this up in 20 minutes without even going to the store."  Exactly. <br /><br />(instagram photo)</div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd14zYt2yMfgaJQFhUGo6a5RAQBxU_LFY6ofXKxLCDODt2hILJmlwvMAV7fewNZk8jynAWqa_DGJ5P-r9HIblj0xDZM37Z9AbEy5sRLD0jbuxhSFI9VHfs5Fe1DYoZfoXt1Kxk0udd2s/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd14zYt2yMfgaJQFhUGo6a5RAQBxU_LFY6ofXKxLCDODt2hILJmlwvMAV7fewNZk8jynAWqa_DGJ5P-r9HIblj0xDZM37Z9AbEy5sRLD0jbuxhSFI9VHfs5Fe1DYoZfoXt1Kxk0udd2s/s640/IMG_1740.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">We finished the weekend with a good ole Sunday night family supper at our house - Braised Pot Roast, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/chive-smashed-potatoes-for-thanksgiving.html">Chive and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes</a>, <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/recipes.aspx?RecipeID=887&S=0">Orange Braised Carrots and Parsnips</a>, and "homemade" bread (my favorite - f<a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/cinnamon-rolls-from-frozen-bread-dough.html">rozen rhodes bread dough)</a>.  Everyone repeatedly asked me if I'd rather go out for my birthday dinner, but there is nothing I like better than to cook for everyone at my house.  </div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuFxBolwYQgc9LeBoRa7zlVCYCrhhrCZXSdBTdNuxu7C4leugzbI3bWISqYnaugep-yCaSmFOk8pebiZXhRo0M7zoCLY1xo6Xz6vE6rI6Ebla5P2HV6L1ZOHhoEWwd_0ET7H0RnwjjUo/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuFxBolwYQgc9LeBoRa7zlVCYCrhhrCZXSdBTdNuxu7C4leugzbI3bWISqYnaugep-yCaSmFOk8pebiZXhRo0M7zoCLY1xo6Xz6vE6rI6Ebla5P2HV6L1ZOHhoEWwd_0ET7H0RnwjjUo/s640/IMG_1723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Braised Pot Roast</span></i><br /><br />3-4 pound Chuck Roast<br />2 teaspoons of sea salt<br />2 tablespoons of olive oil<br />2 teaspoons of black pepper<br />1 yellow onion, quartered<br />2 cups of beef broth<br />2 tablespoons of liquid smoke<br />2 tablespoons of worcestershire<br />2 teaspoons of onion powder<br />2 teaspoons of garlic powder<br /><br />Coat the roast with salt and pepper on both sides.  In a large dutch oven, sear the roast on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side.  Remove the meat from the pot and sear the onions for 3-4 minutes.  Add beef broth and stir the pan with a wooden spoon, releasing all of the brown bits.  Whisk in the liquid smoke, worcestershire, onion powder and garlic powder.  Add the roast back in to the pot.  Cover and cook in the oven at 200 degrees for 8 hours (or more).   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remove the meat from the pot and place it a shallow serving platter (or baking dish) covering it with foil.  Put the pot on the stove-top and boil the sauce for 15 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly.  Pour over the roast and serve.  </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWZv2Z7c32BSe_20suBHRTNq2FnrzBx191huhOomLng32VlY71YStXEorTL5T4nQORR0qP5k25HHovvMn0liAzI09o8q1MUYw8HFukoTuNAl9-mT3LS2n6amS3TEGrlF1Q5agx1TXMe8/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWZv2Z7c32BSe_20suBHRTNq2FnrzBx191huhOomLng32VlY71YStXEorTL5T4nQORR0qP5k25HHovvMn0liAzI09o8q1MUYw8HFukoTuNAl9-mT3LS2n6amS3TEGrlF1Q5agx1TXMe8/s640/IMG_1722.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />The onions searing... love my Staub!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq4TEpyUxCZRdky8tU_5dD8vkWZKUyU2D_d2JjSCnxHy31UvUtvFRTPkX1Pz1fH6v5-l1iHIGxu6im24KguZAtvDAVHo1Elo4qGcrsQLwR-6yyLrzrbVdUyNtxWPqkrsckOhDtFaJl1w/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSq4TEpyUxCZRdky8tU_5dD8vkWZKUyU2D_d2JjSCnxHy31UvUtvFRTPkX1Pz1fH6v5-l1iHIGxu6im24KguZAtvDAVHo1Elo4qGcrsQLwR-6yyLrzrbVdUyNtxWPqkrsckOhDtFaJl1w/s640/IMG_1730.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the roast had cooked for 8 hours, I turned the oven off and let it sit in the oven with the bread that was rising.  The warm oven was the perfect spot for the bread. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvu2Hu6WJvnIg4CZ1fNCLoy-RQF_XrgqYkgQ6BxwntfZujkXIo_6UZs1SpOCG9uL7n36m-Z0QkDRTdcNxkb7OEoqkZwKAAeWTcw-iFIV0y6Uab5YI4i4nfgAuebjN4fQyAZ2KA7iTtAI/s1600/IMG_1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvu2Hu6WJvnIg4CZ1fNCLoy-RQF_XrgqYkgQ6BxwntfZujkXIo_6UZs1SpOCG9uL7n36m-Z0QkDRTdcNxkb7OEoqkZwKAAeWTcw-iFIV0y6Uab5YI4i4nfgAuebjN4fQyAZ2KA7iTtAI/s640/IMG_1737.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is my "homemade" bread... made from <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/cinnamon-rolls-from-frozen-bread-dough.html">store-bought frozen bread dough</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB-Ot-Q9aWUhFgxSRVFybcBV-ARp-Q1AlmDSO1U8gwOHnoqW89AVbdSVVVp3Y6Vs3E7BsitGj7a3ktnGeCwd3AXcTYkuqJdxnbrQ-9EI4J2im_QwAzIFNv7UmmtaXAB8Q3yJ3bTRGADc/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB-Ot-Q9aWUhFgxSRVFybcBV-ARp-Q1AlmDSO1U8gwOHnoqW89AVbdSVVVp3Y6Vs3E7BsitGj7a3ktnGeCwd3AXcTYkuqJdxnbrQ-9EI4J2im_QwAzIFNv7UmmtaXAB8Q3yJ3bTRGADc/s640/IMG_1739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/chive-smashed-potatoes-for-thanksgiving.html">Chive and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes</a> served in a pie dish, one of my favorite ways to serve things - I think they are sooo under utilized as serving pieces. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8X4T0JS0mred_Yajjd3iVkurWX0_MP3csp7cOLdnTgOW3uH1DqxQXoYwqgXw9Je5_I8W-54enw0APoSAUbqCxzoU1v0AHyu-SMhpv8EsoxrWcUx4mPMg-en8w6a36PNde6LadoLSAZE/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8X4T0JS0mred_Yajjd3iVkurWX0_MP3csp7cOLdnTgOW3uH1DqxQXoYwqgXw9Je5_I8W-54enw0APoSAUbqCxzoU1v0AHyu-SMhpv8EsoxrWcUx4mPMg-en8w6a36PNde6LadoLSAZE/s640/IMG_1732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <a href="http://www.barefootcontessa.com/recipes.aspx?RecipeID=887&S=0">Orange Braised Carrots and Parsnips</a> - a favorite <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-barefoot-contessa-dinner-party-last.html">from my Month with The Barefoot Contessa (featured at the dinner party)</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmresF-YSvjyjfBgNry0ed-DikpeVgtWLz0MMrFHuwxOqTGyH2olsedNa4X6LU9t6Amr-AICUgQNRiGgNZC52OMS0U3f0Aq8mQRL2DKBD-ZWJQK7YNLBbQQlBtIBsMUeDBz6WCBYzciRk/s1600/IMG_1749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmresF-YSvjyjfBgNry0ed-DikpeVgtWLz0MMrFHuwxOqTGyH2olsedNa4X6LU9t6Amr-AICUgQNRiGgNZC52OMS0U3f0Aq8mQRL2DKBD-ZWJQK7YNLBbQQlBtIBsMUeDBz6WCBYzciRk/s640/IMG_1749.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatj_dheJWnBqltDxtwN3iDG3Kh9vzwy2EzGiYipv9BRNgHDb3jKgu73ugtR6haXaNbGn0nzSVdkCyNvj8nYMttPBDDS9pouQnNO-QsX_1YyY5X8wvaK0gazKqpyt4Tg9J8glyVTsJ2_s/s1600/oreos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatj_dheJWnBqltDxtwN3iDG3Kh9vzwy2EzGiYipv9BRNgHDb3jKgu73ugtR6haXaNbGn0nzSVdkCyNvj8nYMttPBDDS9pouQnNO-QsX_1YyY5X8wvaK0gazKqpyt4Tg9J8glyVTsJ2_s/s1600/oreos.jpg" /></a></div>After receiving a texted photo (left) of Emma enjoying her first Oreos dipped  in milk last week, my mom decided to make a "dirt cake" for dessert (above).   Huge hit with Emma. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeIvrQTTLmbMRaTOhq6IK7bHrFTuInO16M0hf3KP7GDGJJE4zP57ATwf0iB2ND5I37HWuAycbcLsqiFO2XsG99r4zteZ0OYFHfq5317nqO03TgaV1mKKtvErcCWtKgAFeWstp6IgJJ8Q/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeIvrQTTLmbMRaTOhq6IK7bHrFTuInO16M0hf3KP7GDGJJE4zP57ATwf0iB2ND5I37HWuAycbcLsqiFO2XsG99r4zteZ0OYFHfq5317nqO03TgaV1mKKtvErcCWtKgAFeWstp6IgJJ8Q/s1600/flowers.jpg" /></a></div>I'm hoping this is the last of our cozy  snow weekends... I've been potting daffodils and hyacinth all around the  house to encourage the weather!<br /><br />

My Birthday Weekend | Comfort Food & Pot Roast Recipe

Last weekend was my birthday weekend - that's right, weekend. Our trip to Seaside was my real birthday gift (along with a new fancy cam...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-Z81hVpaSmI6bJQVanZT_ja-MM78myP-fh0ts5t6MPlt6gfJvo9ku1X2NZf4JRXpS8XqcfD3worqmlZ3T5NP6BqV3WZFicVMmrommyZxozibjRB4viBzl5Q0wFxbTR6R8I7mA6x8ulaT/s1600/IMG_6598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-Z81hVpaSmI6bJQVanZT_ja-MM78myP-fh0ts5t6MPlt6gfJvo9ku1X2NZf4JRXpS8XqcfD3worqmlZ3T5NP6BqV3WZFicVMmrommyZxozibjRB4viBzl5Q0wFxbTR6R8I7mA6x8ulaT/s640/IMG_6598.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><i><br /></i><i>We've just arrived home from <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/02/seaside-instagram-update.html">our vacation in Seaside</a>... to 1ft + of snow!  Tomorrow, I can't wait to snuggle into our house and cook a comforting dinner... something that will cook all day long and make the house smell delicious.   I thought I'd re-share one of my favorite cozy snow day recipes with you, while I buy myself a little time editing and writing about our vacation (and finishing the cafe curtains for our Bathroom refresh).  </i><br /><br /><i>.......... </i><br /><br />Pot Roast.  You may have good or bad feelings associated with this recipe... maybe you were used to dried out, flavorless versions at your Grandma's, or maybe you have fond memories of the house filled with the wonderful aromas of roasting beef and onions on Sunday afternoons, like me.  If you haven't tried a Pot Roast recipe for yourself, you should.  It really is a treat... especially this version with a cup of red wine.  If you are feeling gourmet-ish, you can add some sprigs of thyme or rosemary.  <br /><br />It is a great recipe to make on Sunday afternoon - the house smells wonderful the entire day, I can use a glass of wine leftover from dinner on Saturday night, and the leftover roast makes great sandwiches on Monday.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Pot Roast </span><br /><i>with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy</i><br /><br /><i>New! <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/118273/join"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8;">Printable Recipes</span>, here.</a></i><br /><br />2-3 pound Chuck Roast<br />salt & pepper<br />1 cup of red wine<br />2 cups of beef broth<br />1 yellow onion <br />3 carrots, sliced<br />1 cup of mushrooms, halved<br />...... <br />2 pounds of red potatoes<br />4 tablespoons of butter (1/2 stick)<br />1/4 cup of sour cream<br />......<br />2 tablespoons of flour<br /><br />Pat the chuck roast with a paper towel, then coat it in salt & pepper.  Heat a large dutch oven (I use my Staub, but your can use another stove-top & oven-safe pan) over high heat for 1 minute.  Sear each side of the chuck roast for 2-3 minutes, browning it on each side.  When all sides are browned, add red wine and beef broth to the pan with the beef.  Quarter the onion, then put it in the pot with the beef, wine and stock.<br /><br />Roast covered in a 250 degree oven for 5-6 hours, until the beef pulls apart easily.  Add the mushrooms and carrots into the pot, then roast for 30 more minutes.<br /><br />Cut the potatoes in quarters and put them in a large pot filled with water.  Boil the potatoes until fork tender, about 10-15 minutes.  Drain the potatoes, the pour them into a KitchenAid mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.  Add butter and sour cream.  Turn the mixer on low, and continue stirring until the potatoes mash up.  Salt and pepper to taste.  If you need to keep them warm, place them in an oven safe dish covered with foil and keep at 250 degrees until you are ready to serve.<br /><br />Remove the roast from the oven.  Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside, cover with foil.  Place the dutch oven with the onions, carrots, mushrooms, wine and drippings on the stove over medium heat.  Whisk in the flour until smooth.  You may need to add more flour if you'd like a thicker gravy.  Heat for 3-5 minutes until it thickens and is bubbly.  <br /><br />Add roast back into the gravy and vegetables.  Serve with warm mashed potatoes.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLzQK59vA_GHnq4gRm1Mm60VKyPE6OfnE_uBhp5L9OJ43apa7Ke9RysIHZPd-_Vurh_Fff5C6mkcXzr50olL2IzN31J4tgVLLYS5o1YjkXeWPLFh1JI1gVwVXeWwY-iwsObAvNAXmGE9k/s1600/IMG_6602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLzQK59vA_GHnq4gRm1Mm60VKyPE6OfnE_uBhp5L9OJ43apa7Ke9RysIHZPd-_Vurh_Fff5C6mkcXzr50olL2IzN31J4tgVLLYS5o1YjkXeWPLFh1JI1gVwVXeWwY-iwsObAvNAXmGE9k/s640/IMG_6602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000032346171&pubid=21000000000393866"><img alt="Williams-Sonoma Brand Banner" border="0" src="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_impression?lid=41000000032346171&pubid=21000000000393866" /></a>

Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy | Dinner Idea

We've just arrived home from our vacation in Seaside ... to 1ft + of snow! Tomorrow, I can't wait to snuggle into our house and coo...

Minimalist Kitchen Idea

My Birthday Weekend | Comfort Food & Pot Roast Recipe

Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy | Dinner Idea

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