We love pork in this house. And beer. Two of the few things a Texan and a Brit might have in common from the very start, wouldn’t you say? A couple of weeks ago, James came home with a six pack of Sam Adam’s Octoberfest beer.
Now, I’m not a beer drinker. But I loooooove to cook with beer. I love the earthy, deep, and rich tones it adds to everything from bread to cupcakes, but I especially love it in stew and pie applications.
Guinness is great in a steak pie. And Sam Adam’s Octoberfest beer is great in a quick skillet stew.
This is one of those recipes that happens when I walk in the kitchen, pick ingredients out of the fridge, and just sort of see what happens when they come together.
Luckily, this time I was smart enough to keep a notepad nearby (you’d be surprised how often that doesn’t happen and then I kick myself later) and I wrote down every ingredient as I went.
The resulting stew was so good I’ve made it twice since. We’re working our way through that Octoberfest six pack one bottle and batch of stew at a time (because now it’s out of season and I won’t let James drink the rest so I can keep making this stew!).
Plenty of other beers will work, don’t you fear. I just really like the richness of the Sam Adam’s Octoberfest.

Pork and Beer Skillet Stew
Serves 2 to 3
Ingredients
3 tablespoons canola or olive oil, divided
2 1″ thick pork loin steaks, cubed
1 large carrot, diced
2 parsnips, diced
1 large sweet onion, diced finely,
3 kale leaves, stripped from the stems
2 medium blue, Yukon gold, or red bliss potatoes, diced
1 12 fl oz bottle Sam Adams Octoberfest Beer (or beer of your choosing)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon boiled cider or 1/4 cup regular apple cider (not juice!)
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
approximately 1 tablespoon fresh sage and rosemary, minced
salt and pepper to taste
Butter and flour or cornstarch and water to thicken sauce.
Directions
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large french oven on medium high heat. Add pork to pan and stir immediately to avoid sticking. Stir often, until pork is completely browned. Remove to a large bowl and set aside.
Add chopped carrot, parsnip, onion, and kale to the pan, and saute. Season with salt and pepper. Allow onions to become translucent and carrots to begin to soften, then remove to the same bowl as the pork.
Add 3rd tablespoon of oil to the pan and allow to heat. Add diced potatoes to the hot oil and season immediately with salt and pepper. Allow to brown and get some nice color, then remove to the same bowl as the pork and vegetable mixture.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and allow to melt, stirring often. When butter is completely melted and begins to bubble, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan and whisk together to create a roux.
Add beer and stock to the pan and stir constantly. Add onion and garlic powder and whisk them in completely, then add the fresh herbs. Allow the sauce to thicken a little, and taste it for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper as necessary.
Add the pork and vegetables back to the pot when your gravy is thick enough to be considered a stew – it should coat the back of a spoon and stay there for a few seconds.
Stir well to combine, reduce heat to low, and cover for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve immediately with warm crusty bread and butter.
One of the things I’ve loved about making this quick pork and beer stew was the opportunity to try out the Le Creuset 3 1/2 quart Chef’s Pan I was offered for review. This thing is pretty awesome! It’s shallow enough to work well for sauteeing, but deep enough to suit making a stew without spillage.
The 3 1/2 quart Chef’s Pan is the perfect size. Like a good knife, it fits perfectly in your hand. It’s not too heavy or too light, and fits a variety of recipes. I guess that’s why they call it a Chef’s pan – it’s so versatile you can cook just about anything in it. Not to be outdone, the Chef’s pan actually came as a set, its partner being a 9 1/2 inch Le Creuset Fry Pan.

Handily, these two pans are the same circumference, so you can use the accompanying lid on either one, without needing extra space for more lids in your cupboard. Both pans are made of Le Creuset’s tri-ply stainless steel, which promotes quick and even heating. You don’t have to cook at a high heat in order to get a great temperature – I like that. Absolutely perfect for all your holiday meals!
From Le Creuset’s Website:
So, who wants to win this fabulous Le Creuset Pan Package just in time for the holidays?
How you win:
{Required Entry}
Visit Le Creuset’s Cookware page.
Come right back here and leave a comment telling me what Le Creuset item (other than the set in the giveaway) you would LOVE to see under your Christmas tree. You must be specific. “Red French Oven” will not count.
Who wants bonus entries?!
For each item below that you do, you will get one extra chance to win. If you already do any of these items, they DO count. You MUST leave a separate comment for each item. If you leave one cumulative comment, it will only count as one extra entry.
1. Like Le Creuset on Facebook.
2. Like Bluebonnets & Brownies on Facebook.
3. Follow @LeCreuset and @BluebonnetBaker on Twitter and tweet the following. Then come back and leave a comment that you did so.
4. Subscribe to Bluebonnets & Brownies email updates. When you click the link, you will see “Get Bluebonnets & Brownies Delivered By Email.” Once you subscribe to the email updates, you will get an emailing confirming your subscription. Leave a comment after you’ve confirmed your subscription.
Important Details:
-This giveaway is open to USA residents only and will run until Wednesday, November 30th at 11:59 pm EST.
-Winner(s) will be generated via a random number generator software program. Winner will be notified via the contact email provided on the comment contact form.
-Winner(s) will have until 12/4/11 to claim their Le Creuset Cookpan Set or we will choose another winner.
-Winner will receive one Le Creuset Cookpan Set (3 1/2 quart Tri-Ply Chef’s Pan and 9 1/2″ Tri-Ply Fry Pan){$179.99 value}. Product will be shipped by Le Creuset.
Disclosure:
This giveaway is provided to you by Le Creuset USA. The views and opinions expressed by Amber Bracegirdle on Bluebonnets & Brownies are my own, and based upon my cooking experiences with Le Creuset products. I was given the product free of charge to test and review it; however, I was not monetarily compensated for the review or giveaway.
















{ 257 comments }
any lidded baking dish
i follow B&B on FB
I like LeCruset on FB
I subscribe to B&B with email updates
I’d love the 9 1/2 qt oval french oven in kiwi!
I’m a fan of B&B on facebook
i know this sounds crazy, but i’d love the 13.25 qt. round french oven in red! i have smaller versions, but the giant one would be really handy too!!!
I like LC on FB!
I’m a fan of Le Creuset on facebook
I liked Le Creuset on Facebook. I would love to have the 71/2 quart flame pot. I cook a lot of soups and beans and have always wanted one. I have the square skillet in red love it. :)
I follow LC and Bluebonnet on Twitter and tweeted! :)
I’ve had my eye on a few items! I’d really love the 2 3/4 QT. Soup Pot in red and the 13 1/4 QT. Round French Oven in red.
Great recipe Amber!
I just like Bluebonnets & Brownies too!
The Le Creuset Pumpkin Casserole! Form & Function!
I’ve FB’d and Twitter’d!
I’d like the Signature Collection 4 1/4 QT. Deep Saute Pan in Cobalt.
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I have my eye on the Heritage 4qt Covered Casserole.
I follow @bluebonnetbaker on The Twitter!
And I follow you on Facebook.
I LOVE the 2 1/2 qt roaster in the fennel color. Love it!
And I liked Le cresuet on facebook
I would love Santa to leave me the 5 1/4 QT. Multi-Pot with Steamer and Pasta Inserts. How cool would that be? :)
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I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/MeganPires/status/137537185984417792
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I oullove to get a 3 3/4 qt multi-function pan from Le Crueset
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I follow Le Creuset on Twitter. @ChefSugar76
I subscribed to email updates
I Tweeted about the giveaway. @ ChefSugar76
I Tweeted about the giveaway @ ChefSugar76
I would love to see the Le Creuset signature collection 7 1/4 Qt. Round French oven under my tree! I don’t have any Le Creuset items and have wanted them for years. I would scream.
I would love the Signature 71/4 qt round french oven!
I want the Flame colored 4 1/2 qt round french oven
I have Le Creuset liked on Facebook
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I really like the regular loaf pan. I like to make sweet breads.
I follow B&B on facebook.
I already follow you on facebook
I would love the 6 3/4 QT. ROUND WIDE FRENCH OVEN in red :)
Followed both on twitter and send out the tweet
I subscribed to your feed :)
I get the emails :)
Hi! I would LOVE to win a SQUARE SKILLET GRILL….how nice…it would be GREAT to cook with!!
AND, I “like” you on Facebook!
:)
I sent the tweet and follow you both on twitter @VanessaPNoble
I would LOVE the HERITAGE TRADITIONAL FONDUE in blue. My husband has been begging me to get a Fondue set for him ;)
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I’ve always wanted the red heart casserole!
I like Le Creuset on facebook.
I would love to see the 7 1/4 Qt round dutch oven in ocean under my tree!
I like Le Creuset on Facebook
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I follow both of you on twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/PoetInThePantry/status/137558018027044864
I just ‘liked’ Bluebonnets and Brownies on facebook.
heritage 4 qt cocotte, blue ( but I’d take ANY color!)
I already like B& B on FB
I already like Le Creuset on FB
This is an excellent winter recipe, so hearty and warming! I would love to have one of those 3 qt. au gratin dishes. I’ve never owned one and it seems like a lovely way to present a dish!
I Like Le Creuset on Facebook
I like Bluebonnets and Brownies on Facebook
I follow you both on Twitter and tweeted about the giveaway.
I would love to have the Signature Collection 7 1/4 QT. Round French Oven in Aubergine
I would love to get the 5 Quart Braiser in Casis from Le Creuset for Christmas!
I “liked” Le Creuset on Facebook.
I already “like” Bluebonnets & Brownies on Facebook.
I subscribe to your email updates.
I would love to have the 9 qt. Round French Oven!
I would love a 12 qt stockpot.
I follow you on FB
I follow La Crueset on FB
Does EVERYTHING count? ;) I’d love the 7.25 qt French oven in ocean.
First what a wonderful dish and awesome giveaway – i would love to get this item – Signature Collection 13 1/4 QT. Round French Oven.
Liked LeCruset on FB
Lived BB on FB
I would love a 6 3/4 QT. Oval French Oven in aubergine
I am a B&B facebook fan
I like Le Creuset on Facebook
I have been seriously coveting the enamel on steel stock pot. 12 qt. baby! And it’s gotta be kiwi to match my french oven. No Fennel. Love the Fennel. Though the Cherry is pretty sexy.
I follow you and le creuset on twitter!
Err and I tweeted.
I like Le Creuset on Facebook
I like bluebonnets and brownies on facebook!
I like Le Creuset on FB
First of all YUM that stew is now on my menu!
I LOVE Le Creuset cookware and would have more if I could afford it.
Top of my list is the French Ovens…. I like the Linen color and a 91/2 or 14 quart round or oval I don’t care…they are just beautiful!
Thank you!
You are already a facebook like!
Le Creuset is already a facebook like!
Last I am already an emaibscriber to the newsletter!
I like YOU on FB! :)
And I tweeted!
5 QT. Braiser … please and thanks! ;)
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I liked you on facebook!!
I am following you on Twitter :)
I now follow Le Creuset on Twitter!
I would love love love the Signature Collection 9 1/2 QT. Oval French Oven! But alas… the price tag won’t allow me to have it. LOL I covet it every trip to Williams Sonoma. Perhaps in the Aubergine color, but all of the colors are lovely. :)
I already like Bluebonnets and Brownies on Facebook.
oOooo I would loooove to see the 6 3/4 QT. Oval French Oven under my xmas tree this year! :)
I’d love to have the cast iron set (http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/product_Enameled-Cast-Iron-6-Piece-Classic-Set_10151_-1_20002_10077_10049)
Especially the griddle to fry bacon!
I would so love to have the 15 1/2 x 12 1/2 oblong cast iron skillet grill would make my life so much more easier. My family loves to have hamburgers and flat bread sandwiches, this would make it quick and easy to prepare. Oh, just love to dream.
I would love to have the 13 1/4 qt French Oven in Orange. http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/product_Signature-Collection–13-1%2F4-QT.-Round-French-Oven_10151_-1_20002_10140_14055
I Like Bluebonnets & Brownies on Facebook.
I Like Le Creuset on Facebook.
I follow you both on Twitter and tweeted about the giveaway. @sebh55
I am a subscriber to your emails.
I have been dying to get the 4 1/2 qt. covered french oven round in kiwi…it is truly a thing of beauty!!!!
I would love the 12-Piece Bakware Set in Ocean!
I Like Le Creuset on Facebook
I Like Bluebonnets and Brownies on Facebook
I have a 4 qt round oven in Ocean which I LOVE. I’ve had my eye on the 6 3/4 oval dutch oven in the grey color – gorgeous!
i want a kiwi moroocan tagine
email subscriber
fb follower tina wofford page
i follow la crueset on fb(tina wofford page)
I would love the 7 1/4 round Dutch oven in Flame. chicken would cook perfect in it.
Subscribed to email
I’d love to find the 5 quart braiser in dijon yellow under my tree!
I follow LeCreuset on facebook (Rust Hawk).
I am following you on facebook (Rust Hawk).
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I am one of your email subscribers.
I have a thing for the 8 quart oval French Oven in Kiwi. Simply Awesome!
I like Le Creuset on Facebook:)
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I tweeted about the giveaway:)
The 6 3/4 QT. Oval French Oven!!
[email protected]
Like Le Creuset on Facebook.
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Like Bluebonnets & Brownies on Facebook
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Subscribe to Bluebonnets & Brownies email updates
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I’ll take the Goose Pot in Cherry (SKU L2502-40)
I like Le Creuset on FaceBook…
…and I like Bluebonnets & Brownies on FaceBook!
The 6 qt. doufeu
Now “like” you on fb.
ditto Le Creuset on fb.
I like Le Creuset on Fb. I want the entire dutch oven collection. Wow.
I would love to have the Le Creuset cast iron panini press set in the dark blue. I’m not sure what they call that color. I would use it for paninis and tuna melts. It looks great! They have so many nice products!
I like Le Creuset on Facebook.
I like Bluebonnets and Brownies on Facebook.
I subscribe to Bluebonnets and Brownies email updates. Thanks!
This is the chef’s pan I’ve been looking for! So I want this one, and a 6.4L oval french oven in orange.
This might sound silly, but I would love the pumpkin casserole dish on their specialty page. I think it would just look perfect on my Thanksgiving table, but also be able to be used throughout Fall.
I like Le Creuset on Facebook
I’m already a fan of Bluebonnets and Brownies! (It’s how I found this giveaway)
I like the 8 qt french oven in kiwi. I would love to have the goose pot in cobalt to cook the Thanksgiving turkey!
I would like the Caribbean colored 2 1/2 quart roaster under my tree.
I’ve liked Le Creuset on facebook.
I would love to find the Heritage 9 1/2 QT. Doufeu, in blue, under my tree!
I’ve already liked Bluebonnets and Brownies on facebook.
I follow LeCreuset and BluebonnetBaker on twitter and tweeted about the giveaway. https://twitter.com/#!/grobiemum/status/137694587694231553
I subscribe to your Bluebonnets and Brownies e-mail.
I love the 4 1/2 Qt round french oven in cherry!
First of all, your stew looks DELISH. Second of all, I think the 2 3/4 quart iron handle saucepan in the fennel color is amazing! Super useful and beautiful too.
I like Le Creuset on FB
I like you on FB
I would love to see a Signature Collection 5 1/2 QT. Round French Oven in Flame under my Christmas tree!
I get your email updates!
I’d love to find the OBLONG SKILLET GRILL under my Christmas tree (although I’d be pretty happy if my husband was smart enough to get my any Le Creuset cookware)
Thanks for the giveaway.
I like Le Creuset on Facebook
I like you on Facebook
@Lexiquin follows both you and @LeCreuset on Twitter
Tweet! https://twitter.com/#!/lexiquin/status/137753706295865345
already a subscriber
I really like the Signature Collection 3 1/2 QT. Round Wide French Oven in cherry~
I really want the 7 1/4 quart round french oven in Fennel. I adore that color.
I’m already a subscriber of yours!
I would love to see the 6 3/4 QT. Round Wide french Oven in kiwi under my Christmas tree this year.
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I ‘liked’ Bluebonnets and Brownies on Facebook.
I ‘liked’ LeCreuset on Facebook.
I have subscribed to Bluebonnets and Brownies email updates and confirmed my subscription.
I want the 6 qt stock pot /@treedee71
I tweeted and follow @treedee71
Oh my goodness ….. I’ve been asking Santa for the 11-piece Signature Collection (cast iron) in Flame (orange) for TWO years. Heck, I might as well add the 12-piece Signature Collection in stainless steel too!!!!!! Wow, this is an awesome giveaway – thanks for the opportunity.
I like Le Creuset on Facebook!!!!
I like Bluebonnets & Brownies on Facebook too!!!!
I reposted this giveaway on Twitter AND follow LeCreuset and BluebonnetBaker. My Twitter name is @nmhutch.
https://twitter.com/#!/nmhutch/status/137977511798775810
I’m a subscriber too!!!!
p.s. I’m making this pork and beer stew TONIGHT
Well, I want all the the on the LeCreuset site. I just installed an induction cooktop and I really need a 12 quart stock pot in blue please! And maybe the grill pan too.
I like LeCreuset on facebook.
I like Bluebonnets and Brownies on facebook.
Your stew looks and sounds delicious!
I would love to find the “Signature Collection 9 1/2 QT. Oval French Oven in Cobalt Blue” under my Christmas tree this year. (Actually, any large LeCreuset in cobalt would be wonderful.)
I <3 you on FB
I like Le Creuset on FB!
I would like the Pumpkin Casserole! It is cute. You can display it when not in use! Love it!
I subscribe to your emails! :)
i would love the panini set in cherry. http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/product_Panini-Set_10151_-1_20002_10129_10041
it’s so beautiful and multi-functional!
i like le creuset on facebook
i like bluebonnets and brownies on facebook
i subscribe to your email updates
I love the 6 3/4 qt. oval french oven in dijon.
On a chatty note though, you and I are in the same boat. I don’t drink beer, but I’ll cook with it. You should come by my blog, I shared a recipe for a Beer Braised Chicken Carbonnade a few weeks ago-one of my husband’s favorite meals. Plus, I’ve got a shout out to you in my current post about that awesome quick beer pizza crust.
And I like you on FB
There’s only one thing on my Xmas list this year and it is the Le Creuset 7-1/4-Quart Round French Oven, in Cherry Red!
I’m hoping for the Signature Collection 3 1/2 Qt. Round Wide French Oven in Aubergine under my Christmas tree this year!
I like Le Creuset on Facebook
I like Blue Bonnets and Brownies on facebook!
I tweeted the giveaway!
I just subscribed to the email list!
I would love love love the Signature Collection 5.5 Qt Round French Oven.
The Heritage Cast Iron Au Gratin…in red!
I like Le Creuset on Facebook.
I also like B & B on Facebook!
What a wonderful giveaway. I’ve always wanted to own a set of Le Creuset cookware. I would love to see the OPRAH 10-PIECE COOKWARE SET in red under my Christmas tree! That would really be my dreams come true!
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Liked Le Creuset on Facebook.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Like Bluebonnets & Brownies on Facebook.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Just tweeted about this giveaway. https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/138398158685356032
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I would love Santa to bring the 20 Qt Stock Pot since winters here in NH are getting colder or I am getting Older and can’t handle them so cook lots more stews, soups and chili!
I follow both on twitter so tweeted this giveaway too! Also follow both of you on Facebook because I love what yOu have to offer!!! Thanks for the opportunity!!
Erin
I totally would want the 12 inch non stick deep fry pan, I follow BB on Twiiter, I follow BB on FB, I just sent your sample msg on twitter.
Great giveaway!! I have not had the pleasure of trying out the LC saute pans yet. They look amazing.
Under my tree? I’m dying to get a LC Classic Whistling Kettle in a pretty cherry red.
I like (love) you on Facebook!
Like Le Creuset on Facebook too. Duh.
I would LOVE a Signature Collection 3.5 quart French Oven!!
I liked La Creuset on Facebook
I love the Signature Collection 3 1/2 QT. Round Wide French Oven
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I like Bluebonnets & Brownies on facebook (Louis H Uffmire)
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I like Le Creuset on facebook (Louis H Uffmire)
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
following @LeCreuset and @BluebonnetBaker on twitter @left_the_stars
I tweeted your giveaway
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I would love the grill pan!
I would love the Le Creuset 6 3/4 Qt Oval French Oven in the aquamarine color…it would be so practical and I love the color!
The panini set in Caribbean blue would be simply marvelous! :)
I would like the Signature Collection 5 QT. Oval French Oven.
tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/cmouse01/status/138720444617465856
i would love to have the Cobalt Panini set, the color is beautiful!
I follow both on twitter as durstslovepens and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/durstslovepens/status/138935951174012928
I subscribed to email
I’d love a Le Creuset Signature Collection 5 1/2-Qt. Round French Oven. I like the Linen color. Thanks!
I like Le Creuset on facebook.
(Sharon O.)
I like Bluebonnets & Brownies on facebook.
(Sharon O.)
I follow both on twitter @sharonjo2
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/sharonjo2/status/139171883793915904
I’m an email subscriber.
sharonjo at gwtc dot net
I would love to win the
7 1/4 QT. Round French Oven in Carribean or anything at all in Carribean. I wish they made more of their items in that color. I LOVE Le Creuset!
I’d love a 3 1/2 QT. Oval French Oven in Flame
I like you on FB
I like Le Creuset on FB
I follow both on Twitter and tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/nella22/statuses/141356426923753472
I desperately want the 8 qt. Oval French Oven in Cobalt for me under the tree. And my son wants the Children’s Bakeware Set :)
I like Le Creuset on Facebook
I like Bluebonnets and Brownies on Facebook
I subscribe to your email
I would love for Santa to bring me the Signature Collection 6 3/4 QT Oval French Oven in Cobalt :)
I Like Le Creuset on Facebook
I would like the Le Creuset signature collection 7 1/4 Qt. Round French oven for Xmas! I don’t have any Le Creuset items and have wanted them for years but have never been able to splurge on some items.
I Like Bluebonnets & Brownies on Facebook
I Follow @LeCreuset and @BluebonnetBaker on Twitter and tweeted
“I just entered to win a super cookpan package from @BluebonnetBaker & @LeCreuset! http://su.pr/1EmOv0 #giveaway”
I Subscribe to Bluebonnets & Brownies email updates
I would love to see the 2qt. Stainless steel covered saucepan under my tree.
I would love the Signature Collection 5 1/2 qt round french oven in cherry!
I like Le Creuset on Facebook (Liz Lanza)
I like Bluebonnets & Brownies on Facebook (Liz Lanza)
I follow both on Twitter and I tweeted this giveaway (@fresh_plate)
I subscribe to email updates.
I would love it have the cobalt blue panini set under my tree this year! Thanks for the stew recipe, it sounds yummy!
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