autumn essentials: hearty beef and gravy

How To Make autumn essentials: hearty beef and gravy

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  1

  PREP/PREPARE
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  2

  Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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  3

  THE BEEF
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  4

  Chef’s Note: I choose a chuck roast for this recipe because it is very flavorful, and it loves to be cooked low and slow. This recipe will be ready in 4 – 5 hours; however, if you choose a different cut of beef, the time may be longer.
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  5

  Season the beef with some salt and pepper.
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  6

  Add some grapeseed oil to a large pan, or heavy bottomed pot, over medium-high heat.
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  7

  Brown the beef in batches (don’t crowd the pan), adding more grapeseed oil as needed.
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  8

  Place the browned beef in the bottom of a slow cooker.
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  9

  THE GRAVY
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  10

  Add three tablespoons of butter to a saucepan over medium heat.
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  11

  When the foaming subsides, add the flour, and whisk until thoroughly combined, about 1 – 2 minutes.
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  12

  Slowly add the chicken stock, and whisk until the mixture begins to thicken, about 4 – 5 minutes.
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  13

  Bring the mixture to a light boil, and continue to whisk for about 15 minutes.
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  14

  Reduce the heat to a simmer, add the crème fraiche, and final tablespoon of butter, and whisk to combine.
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  15

  Remove from the heat, add the sherry, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
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  16

  Pour the gravy over the beef chunks, cover the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4 – 5 hours, or until the beef is fork tender.
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  17

  PLATE/PRESENT
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  18

  This recipe just begs for a nice pile of garlic mash potatoes; however, serve it anyway you choose, and don’t forget some nice crusty bread. Enjoy.
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  19

  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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