BEEF BARLEY STEW

A FINE EVENING WITH FRIENDS

Our very fine neighbor, roof-mate and friends, the S's treated us to a delicious Beef Barley stew as can only be made by Dorothy S. How did this happen?  

Months ago my DH was scheduled for knee replacement and stocking the house for his confinement meant planning for a lot of meals. Before the Christmas holidays the club dining room offered a holiday roast beef dinner for pick up on Christmas Eve that included all the sides and trimmings. A good deal if I had no time to shop or prepare - in fact the price was so reasonable why order just 2 meals?  So we ordered 4 meals thinking we would freeze two and enjoy a good dinner a few weeks later when his recovery was underway. How convenient, it seemed like a good idea at the time. 

A couple of weeks ago I find the frozen roast beef in the freezer and ask when are we going to eat this? Since we've both lost weight and eat red meat little if at all, DH said give it to someone else.  Next door neighbors, the S's have a big German Shepard, ask Mrs. S. if she'd like some extra meat. 

Hostess & Chef Dorothy

Barley soup simmering in the pot.

Once Dorothy S. accepted the frozen beef she called to tell me I was crazy - "do you know how much beef is here, and top quality too. This is not dog food, no way is this going to the dog."  She agreed to accept the meat ONLY if she could fix us dinner.  Several phone calls, emails and recipes later Dorothy proposed beef barley soup/stew as only she could make.

Host, Bartender Jules

Add Marilyn and Jerry J., the next door neighbor on the opposite side, tonight the S's hosted dinner for six of us. And what a splendid dinner it was. The barley base was rich with mushrooms, the beef was chunked into small bits and added at the last minute (already pre-cooked). Followed by a green salad, then coffee was served with pound cake and a bowl of fresh fruit.  Dorothy outdid herself.

Even Mr. S, resplendent in short pants and blue socks was a gracious host offering the drinks and appetizers. Of course Sam, the German Shepard was never far away - but quiet and watching us all.

Predictably the conversation eventually turned to "do you remember ____?"  At a certain age the social dialogue begins a backwards turn rather then what's current.  Yes, I remember "The Lone Ranger" and "Howdy Doody Show" but before that I rather not remember too much. Think about the fact that 18 year-olds who will be voting soon were born in 1992. Doesn't seem that far back does it? 

Mrs. S. is also a Gourmet Dinner committee member for our street and the next event has just been announced for September 15th focusing on Italian cuisine. The heaviness of the food scares me a bit; can I taste a little bit and still make Waist Watcher goals? And what about the dairy; I've been avoiding milk and cheese since last winter. Is there Italian food without cheese?  This will be a challenge. 

Swam at the pool today for over 45 minutes focusing on controlling the leg kicking; trying to develop a power kick. Are my legs tired and aching! Tonight is a warm-sock and hot rice-paks for my throbbing legs. Tomorrow back to the pool and keep going. Instructor Maggie returns Tuesday and will be watching to see if I did practice regularly. Splish Splash!!