And A Bowl Of Stew
This is a soup day, I thought as I looked out the window at the gray sky and cold rain driving down upon the road. I heard it pattering on the roof all night, and the floor was cold under my feet because the temperature dropped from a warm 68 degrees to a damp 45 outside overnight. This is how autumn temperatures change in Iowa.
Just when you are certain summer will hang on until Christmas the winds change. Wrapped in a robe and armed with a cup of coffee I sat down on the couch to prepare for the day. Opening the bible I read from the ancient writings. I pictured people roaming the mountains of Israel in long robes and head coverings on camelback or walking on foot in the arid heat.
Such heat would feel good right now.
Meanwhile, I sat in the quiet of the early morning. Everyone was still asleep, except for my husband lifting weights in the garage. My mind slowly awoke to the earthy taste of coffee as my spirit awakened to the eternal voice of the Ancient of Days yet again speaking.
Two thoughts warred in my mind for attention: What ingredients do I have in the refrigerator to make a hearty stew today? And what are you speaking to me, Lord?
On this particular morning, the Lord won.
I have not lived a perfect life though I follow the perfect God. I have fallen in many ways, and yet as I pondered my shortcomings I remembered God has never forgotten me along the way. I have been restored. Such thoughts caused me to worship so I paused to praise.
Thank you Jesus for saving me.
To live for God is not a one-time prayer, but it is a steady walk. It is deciding to trust the Lord no matter the weather.
The kitchen is still quiet as I worship God. In the joy that touches my soul, I think about food. Silly right? My thoughts can be a little like spaghetti sometimes. I want to share this warmth I feel in a tangible way, so why not put my love into a big pot full of vegetables and broth simmered together to nourish and warm my family on such a cold dreary day.
Leaving my journal and bible on the couch I walk to the fridge. Looking inside I started to gather this and that to make my stew. I am not much of a cook but I love to make soup, maybe because it is a melting pot of creativity. With a little bit of cabbage, some ground hamburger, red kidney beans, a dash of salt, and a sprinkle of pepper the vibrant flavor of Beef Cabbage Stew soon started to materialize.
I have been cooking this stew for at least 22 years. I have the recipe written down in my own little cookbook of family favorites. It was given to me by my mother-in-law, Sandy, and I have loved it ever since.
Food has a way of marking seasons. Burgers and salads celebrate summer leisure time while pumpkin bread and hearty soups warm us up with the first frost of autumn.
I also love how food shares a story of friendship. I have shared this favorite stew with friends, and family. It makes me remember the joyful laughter and little hands presenting empty bowls for a refill.
A few hours had passed. There was still a chill in the air as the drizzle continued outside, but while I was busy taking rolls out of the oven the family gathered at the table.
“What smells so good?” they asked one by one as they found their seats.
“Beef Cabbage Stew,” I responded.
At once I heard their excited voices as they waited for a steaming hot bowl. This is how a cold day turned into a perfect opportunity.
Beef Cabbage Stew
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 cups beef broth
16 oz. crushed tomatoes
4 cups chopped purple cabbage
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. marjoram
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Brown hamburger and onion, and drain, set aside. Add all other ingredients into a large pot. Cook on medium heat for 30 minutes then add in hamburger and onion. Cook an additional 15 minutes. Enjoy!