Jack is Hungry for some Instant Mashed Potatoes

Everyone has something special, something unique that shines through the outer package and catches another's eye. That inner sparkle can lie dormant for a lifetime, until one day someone or something comes along and causes the person to bloom before your very eyes. It's like a box of instant mashed potatoes. You think it's nothing but powder, but add some liquid and, poof! It's grown into a meal to feed an army. The texture is smooth, creamy, and the flavors are well-balanced. Who would have guessed that such a boring, bland, and previously unintriguing box could yield the perfect compliment to your main dish?

There's a guy that I dated for a minute that reminds me of this box of instant mashed potatoes. We went out a couple of times, and I can honestly say that I knew it wouldn't work out by the end of the first date. I thought to myself, well, go out again and maybe he will grow on you. Unfortunately the spark just wasn't there...and I had to tell him. He was crushed! I never thought that I would have that effect on a person, but tears sprang to his eyes when I clearly indicated that he would not be getting a good night kiss. Yikes!

I felt bad, in fact I felt horrible hurting him like that. However, I only had tepid feelings for him. Nice guy all around - smart, sweet, successful - but not what I was looking for. So a few weeks ago I ran into this guy at a party with some mutual friends. He was absolutely glowing with happiness. Friendly, outgoing, cracking jokes and looking great! What on earth caused such a transformation?? Our mutual friend took me aside and asked with a serious look in her face, "Are you uncomfortable? Is this bad for you? I mean he's here with his new girlfriend, I know I would absolutely die." I assured her that it was not a problem and that I would be fine. It was more than fine - it was another mystery solved!!

The two of them clearly had a lot in common, and were smitten for each other. She seemed to bring out a side of him that I had never seen before. The fact is, she was the hot water to his powdered potatoes and together they created a desirable mix that everyone wanted to taste.

Now, I have been known to eat a whole box of instant mashed potatoes. The key element is that I added boiling hot water to the powder, and it transformed them into what I was craving. If the water isn't hot, then the powder just sinks to the bottom, separated and grainy. No one wants to try a taste, it doesn't compliment any dish, and it's likely to end up thrown down the cold garbage disposal of rejected romance.

So if you are out there on the dating scene, remember that it takes the right ingredients to blend together and make a winning dish. Gauge the temperature, gauge the time, and keep in mind that you are the one that has to take care of the leftovers - make it something you want to eat again!

Beef Stew Thickened with Instant Mashers- Quick Fix for a Flavorful Ending!


Ingredients
Vegetable oil for searing

• Flour for dredging
• 2 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of instant mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium onions, cut into sixths
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 10 cups cold water, or chicken or beef broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
• 6 sprigs parsley
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1-1/4 pounds medium red potatoes, quartered
• 4 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 7 canned whole, peeled tomatoes, lightly crushed
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions

Heat a large Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. Pour in enough oil to fill the pan about 1/4-inch deep. Spread flour out on a plate or piece of wax paper. Season half the beef generously with salt and pepper, then dredge in the flour. Shake off the excess flour, and add to the pan. Saute the meat, uncovered, stirring only occasionally, until well-browned, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef. Discard the oil and wipe out the pan.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook potatoes in it for aprox 10 mins, or until it can be penetrated with a fork. Return the pot you cooked the meat in (dutch oven) to the stove and melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 1 minute more. Return the beef to the pot and add the water or broth, and bring to a simmer. Using a piece of kitchen twine, tie together the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves and add the bundle to the pot. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and pepper to taste. Cover and transfer to the oven. Stew the meat until tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

Remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid with a ladle. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and the tomatoes, and bring to a simmer. Stew, uncovered, on top of the stove, stirring occasionally, until the beef and vegetables are tender, about 45 mins. Remove and discard the herb bundle. Stir in the vinegar and 2 tablespoons of instant mashed potatoes and let thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide among bowls and serve immediately.

Note: Beef chuck, because of its marbling of intra-muscular fat, is the choice for any type of stew. If you can't find chuck cubed for stew in your meat department, buy a thick steak and cut it into 2-inch cubes.