Quinoa Beef Stew

So, here goes nothing. I am going to attempt this blogging thing. The ONLY way I can imagine myself actually keeping this going is by sharing my recipes.

First one? How about what I made for dinner tonight? Let's go...

I went to the store to return a redbox movie and get dog food, so what did I leave with? Beef stew meat, a can of diced tomatoes, a small bag of red potatoes, and dog food (of course). I've never made beef stew, so I did what I always do if I am not completely sure of how to make something.... Google search it. I stumbled across some that sounded terribly bland and just not up to par. I then found Paula Dean's recipe- anything she makes is good, so I thought i'd give it a shot. I CANNOT manage to "follow" a recipe to save my life- I always add/omit things.

Here goes MY version:

INGREDIENTS:
1 lb beef stew meat
1 TBS canola oil
1/2 yellow onion sliced
2 whole carrots cut up
1 clove garlic minced
1 can diced tomatoes (I used one with sweet onions added)
2 cups water
1 TBS worcestershire
1 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (I had some left over that was seasoned with garlic/italian seasonings)
1/2 cup black beans (cooked)
2 small red potatoes cubed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp bay leaves
1/2 tsp sugar (I used granulated, but next time I'll use brown)
dash ground cloves
dash cinnamon
AND 1/4 cup coke (I had pepsi)

to thicken at the END:
1/4 cup water
2 TBS cornstarch
1/2 - 1 cup hot liquid from beef stew that is cooking

DIRECTIONS:
(per Paula Dean's recipe)
Brown meat in hot oil, add water, worcestershire, onion, garlic, tomatoes, ALL seasonings, and coke. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours (I did for about an hour). Add potatoes, carrots, quinoa, black beans, cover and simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes. THEN mix cornstarch and 1/4 cup water, add hot liquid - pour into stew and mix, let it boil and serve.

I think it tastes really good, if you make it- let me know what you think!