On Sunday afternoon, the hubby decided he would treat me to lunch.  Actually he treats me to lunch ALL the time, and, even though I was tired, I wanted to spend time with him.

We went to Rubio’s and I ordered the Health Mex two taco plate (my favorite).  It was so nice to have a real meal.  The food buzz had A LOT of food.  A lot of “a little bit of this and a little bit of that.”

After lunch, I asked him to take me to Sur La Table. I have to tell you how much fun it was to blow $250.00 on a shopping spree, especially since it was not my money.

Winning the Sur La Table Gift card at the Food Buzz event was the absolute best way to end an incredible weekend.

We both had fun selecting many great kitchen items from Sur La Table. It was especially nice not having to worry about how much an item cost and selecting itemslike this clay pot that had been on my wish I owned list of a long time..

Clay pots are also a healthy way to cook. They actually steam the food right in the pot.

All you have to do isI add all your ingredients, pop it in the oven and viola’.

Here is the recipe to my Rustic Beef Stew.

Ingredients

Serves 6

8 PP per person 

• 1.5 pounds market steak strips, cut into one inch pieces
• one zucchini, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• small red and yellow peppers, cut into strips
• one carrot, chopped
• salt and pepper
• thyme
• 2 bay leafs

Directions

Since I am using a clay pot, you need to soak the lid for 10 minutes first.

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.

Toss all the ingredients into the pot.

Place the pot Into a COLD oven.

Set the oven temp to 425 and bake for 80 minutes.  Remove the bay leafs.  Serve