Q: What happened when the teacher tied all the kids’ shoelaces together?
A: They had a class trip.

Warming, comforting, hearty.

Beef And Guinness Pot Pie is all of the above. Meat and vegetables are cooked to tender perfection in the dark stout gravy. The flaky puff pastry top crust contrasts beautifully with the savory stew within. Butternut squash is an unexpected addition that adds a lovely sweetness.

Beef And Guinness Pot Pie

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless chuck roast, fat trimmed, cut into ¾-inch pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 tablespoons flour, divided
1½ cups chopped leeks 
(2 medium leeks)
1 cup chopped carrots (2 large carrots)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
½ cup Guinness stout beer
2½ cups beef stock
1 cup chopped butternut squash
½ (17.3-oz) package of frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. Heat the oil in 
a 10-inch cast-iron skillet (I used an 8 inch one and it worked fine) over medium-high.

3. Toss together the beef, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the flour in a medium bowl. Add to skillet and cook, stirring, until the pieces are browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Add the leeks, carrots, and 1½ tablespoons of the thyme. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes.

4. Add the beer and cook 1 minute, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

5. Whisk together the stock and the remaining flour. Add to the skillet and bring to a 
simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens, 30 to 35 minutes, adding the squash after 15 minutes.

6. Roll out the puff pastry into a 12-inch square (about 10 inches if using a smaller skillet). Place the pastry over 
the simmering beef mixture.

7. Whisk together the egg and water then brush over the pastry. Cut several slits in the center of the pastry.

8. Bake until the 
pastry is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining thyme.

Recipe from Real Simple

We are going to quietly get away from it all on a trip with Escapists.

‘Silence’ is new from the London-based band Escapists. It’s synthelicious.

Check out Escapists on the band’s Website where you can learn of an upcoming show in London and buy their music.

Cheers!