Just when I think old man Winter is gone for good, he laughs at me with a cold blast of wind and rain that chills me to the bone. So I decided to make up a hearty bowl of braised beef stew with root vegetables to warm up. I spent an afternoon prepping the meat and veggies and as they simmered on the stove, the aroma and warmth it brought was a welcome feeling. And with such a large pot of stew I would have leftovers for a couple days. A little break from the kitchen would give me some extra time to pick up a book and enjoy some “me” time!