magic hat stew

hanging out in the kitchen this afternoon with our friend kate who has recently returned from istanbul. i was browning cubes of beef tossed with salt, pepper and flour, chopping onions and carrots in big chunks, mincing garlic, sauteing vegetables in same old cast iron pan. i was strangely reluctant to open up a can of italian plum tomatoes and crush them, maybe because i had just washed the floor. then i thought , belgium and beer and stew! not having any belgian ale in the house, i deglazed the pan with a magic hat#9 (their "not so pale ale"), put in the meat, added some beef broth, bay leaves, thyme from the garden, a touch of crushed red peppers ('cause they're my signature) brought it to boil and let it simmer for the next 2 hours or so. this would be perfect with an arugula salad with a simple oil and lemon dressing and some pasta or rice. i made corn bread, then german girl got home and requested pasta. carbo loading for no good reason. better take extra long walk with dog.