Manic Monday

It's entirely possible I have the best future mother-in-law ever. For Christmas, in addition to a beeeeauuutiful  pink Kate Spade purse, she also gave me the neatest, most touching thing: a binder full of family recipes.

Anybody that knows me even a little bit knows that I'm crazy sentimental, and also very big into family traditions (I am, after all, getting married on my own parents' anniversary). I also love to cook. This pretty much sent me into spasms of happy. And since it was a Christmas gift, not a wedding gift, I feel perfectly justified in using it now instead of waiting until April.

B and I spent this past weekend at Seabrook Island visiting his grandpa and brother and brother's girlfriend, and it was a whirlwind. Shopping, carriage rides, lunch at Blossom, filet and Caesar salad with homemade dressing, talking until late at night...by the time we got back, we were exhausted. Our sweet Luna, who spent the weekend at PetSmart (and got a bath) was also exhausted. And that continued into today. In looking through the cookbook for something relatively quick to make tonight, I landed on the beef stroganoff.

It's pretty easy. You start by melting 1/4 cup of butter. However, I only used about half of that, and it turned out fantastic. Saute 1/4 cup of sliced onions, 6 ounces of mushrooms (canned or fresh, either is fine), and one minced clove of garlic.

Once that's heated up and the onions are soft, add 1 pound of beef cubes. Then pour in 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, one cup of red wine and one can of beef broth. Let simmer for 15 minutes.

Add in 4 ounces of egg noodles, cover the pan, and simmer for 10 more minutes.

Once the noodles are tender, turn off the heat and add in one cup of sour cream. Stir to mix together, then serve.

It wasn't a particularly cold day, but this still was such a warm, hearty, comforting meal. After today, we totally needed this. Also, it makes fantastic leftovers, and that's a big plus in my book. I highly recommend this if you're looking for an easy and wonderful weeknight meal.

Now, I'm even luckier, because in addition to the family recipes, I also get to marry B, and that's the best prize ever. 96 days, my friends :) But for now, let them eat stroganoff!

Mama S's Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter (can use less)
1/4 cup sliced onion
1 minced garlic clove
2 3-oz. cans mushrooms, or a package of fresh
1 pound beef
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 can beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 pound medium egg noodles
1 cup sour cream
1 cup red wine

Directions:
Melt butter, and saute onions, mushrooms and garlic. Add beef.
Stir in lemon juice, wine, broth, salt and pepper.
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
Add uncooked noodles and cook covered for about 10 minutes, or until done.
Mix in sour cream and serve warm.