Lurve Quiz....... {Blogmopolitan Quiz}

We don't really do Valentines Day in our relationship - a really common theme with people my age in the UK!! I honestly don't really know anyone who buys into it.... blogging opens my eyes to how much of a big deal it is in America, and hey that's cool, Love's a great thing! 

Linking up with Erin because I'm nosey and i love quizzes! Can't wait to see everyone's responses!

Valentines Day Main Course........ { Boeuf Bourguignon}

 

No I haven't gone all unhealthy on you but if ever there was a time to indulge in some rich food then cooking your main for Valentines Day would be it. This is a favourite of mine that I developed over the years, it was also the first recipe I did for my magazine food column.  It's a winner and bound to make your beloved fall even more madly in love with you, food does that don't you know?! This does require some time to cook but once you’ve spent a little time on prepping you can just leave this to bubble gently on the stove whilst you get on with more important things...

 

 Boeuf Bourguignon

1kg chuck or shin of beef cut into large pieces – this is important so it doesn’t break down in the cooking process
20 Shallots, peeled
30 button mushrooms – I used chestnut button mushrooms
1 large onion, peeled and roughly chopped
150g streaky bacon, cut into short strips
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs thyme
Bottle of red wine – French is best here; a Burgundy works well but I have also made it with a Merlot
300 – 400ml beef stock, add 300ml to start and then add more if you need to

firstly, the night before you need to marinate the beef in the wine and herbs (not the garlic) and use the marinade as the cooking liquor - this will add a depth of flavour to the dish. toss the beef in a little seasoned flour and then colour the meat in a little oil and butter – make sure you use a heavy based casserole dish or pan.  remove the beef and then add the shallots and cook for around 5 minutes, until they go slightly golden, then add the mushrooms and cook for a further few minutes. remove them from the pan and set aside. add a little more oil to the pan if needed and add in the onion and bacon. once they have browned slightly add the beef to the pan along with the garlic, stock and the wine and herbs. season and then simmer on a very low heat for around 1 ½ hrs – alternatively, you could pop it in the oven at around 140°C for the same amount of time. add the shallots and mushrooms and cook for a further 30 minutes. i served this with my homemade dauphinoise potatoes and baby carrots which worked well. you could actually make the whole dish the day before and just heat it up for 30 minutes or so before you need it – a bourguignon that has mellowed overnight is a tasty dish indeed! 

 

Linking up with the lovely Miriam for the "Lets Grow Together" series - Welcome to my blog!

Why We Work

Linking up with The Life of Bon and The Daily Tay to talk about why My Beau and I work.....

We work because I think the man is the most gorgeous person on the planet and he loves my curves

We work because he makes me giggle everyday and I take away his tiredness by making him chuckle at my goofiness and rub eye cream on his eyelids

We work because we are always on the same team and we kick ass at quizzes

We work because I will sit and listen to him play guitar and he lets me sing along to tunes in the car (badly)

We work because he says every meal I make him is the best he's ever had and he will always pick my homemade food over going out for a meal. And I always think he is a rock star

We work because I see what a brilliant father he is to his children and he loves that I get on with them so well

 

We work because we both don't buy into the whole valentines day thing

We work because he lets me talk through everything I'm thinking, always, and I know what he's thinking even when he's not talking

We work because I listen to him rant about his tough day at work every evening on the phone and he will always text me back

We work because he calls me bumble and I play up to being bumble like in all I do

We work because we love spending time together - walking, eating, just being with one another. And we never run out of conversation

We work because after a long Sunday walk he runs me a bath and I make him chicken noodle soup when he is poorly

We work because we always try and be kind to one another. He calms my anger and I make him positive and stop him frowning

We work because he never fails to support me and is always there for me and I surprise him with birthday trips to Whitstable

We work because we make each other happier and we have enriched each others lives

 

We work because despite the fact that our situation should be difficult with lots of obstacles, falling in love with each other has been easy and our relationship just makes sense. He is the best man and he makes me want to try to be a better woman.

Happy Valentines Day - What makes your relationship work? Join in the link up or write your answers below