What would Julia think?

Ever since I picked up my first Julia Child cookbook I have wanted to

make her Boeuf Bourguignon recipe. But have you ever read that recipe?

It's mind-blowing! Much too complicated. And, much too time consuming

for those of us with Lives and shopping to do! So when I popped over

to Williams-Sonoma this afternoon to visit my friends... You know

them too - Le Creuset, All-Clad, Kitchenaid... I couldn't help but be

intrigued by their new Beef Bourguignonne braising base. As I read

the label, I couldn't help but wonder... What would Julia think?

Because you know... Julia's recipe has over 40 steps. However,

this looks pretty much like a shake, Twist and pour operation!

Which speaks to me!

This is Fantastically simple! Dice a little

butcher's bacon and throw it into a dutch oven

Cook for 8-10 minutes. Or until you hear someone

in the den call out to Ask you what smells so good

Because when that happens... Your bacon will be Perfectly cooked!

And, then you'll have to work Quickly to keep him away from it!

Cut up three pounds of Chuck roast into 1-inch cubes...

Like this... The recipe on the jar does not call for any Garlic. But

we've already had that discussion. Remember... this Monterey girl

and student of John Pisto doesn't know how to cook without it

Time to brown our beef using one Tablespoon of reserved bacon grease

Add a little fresh cracked black Pepper...

And a pinch of Coarse kosher salt...

or Two!

And, our Garlic. Of course...

After the meat was browned on all sides I opened the jar. Then I leaned up

against the counter to Enjoy the aroma for a few minutes. It's incredible! 

Really incredible!

Add in the Bacon and bring to a simmer

Stir, cover and cook on Low heat for two hours

Tomorrow, I'll add pearl onions, baby carrots

and cook all this delicious Richness another hour

And serve it over Butter egg noodles for our Sunday supper!

By the way... Despite an exhaustive search of Home Goods, Ross, Marshalls, TJMaxx,

Target, Michaels and AC Moore today, I never did find a Wilton comfort-grip

Shamrock cookie cutter. So I went back to Home Goods to get this cute

little set. I'll order the Wilton one on-line tonight, and probably use

these too. I know. I know... I shouldn't have bought more sprinkles!

Clearly, the people Responsible for keeping me

from buying more sprinkles are doing a Poor job! 

They're probably Related to the same people responsible

for keeping me away from buying any New cake stands too!

I know... But I couldn't help it! You know what a sucker I am for anything

honey Bee-related. And these honeycomb cake stands just wouldn't let me leave

them at Williams-Sonoma today. I especially love the little bee on the foot

Bun-bunny and Willie-pig like them too!

Where I'll store them... Well, that I haven't figured out yet

I think I'm in Trouble!

But that's okay, huh, Bing? We'll just have to find

another cabinet to Clean out to make room for them

Someone loves the Crinkly paper!

Hey, Bing! I know where we can get More of that fun, crinkly

paper... And they're open on Sunday too! Besides, we're going

to need Lots more of their Beef Bourguignonne braising base!