Name: Tailgaters' Favorite Stew
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon (about 4 oz/125 g); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cracked black peppercorns; 2 lbs stewing beef, trimmed, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes and patted dry; 2 onions, finely chopped; 2 stalks celery, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg; Grated zest and juice of 1 orange; 1 1/2 cups barley (see tips) rinsed and drained; 1 can (5 1/2 oz/156 mL) tomato paste; 1 cup dry red wine; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup water; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; Medium to large (3 1/2 to 5 quart) slow cooker

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Tailgaters' Favorite StewColin Erricson/www.robertrose.ca

I can't imagine anything more appealing on a blustery day than a big serving of this ambrosial stew. It's great for potlucks and outdoor get-togethers because it's easily transportable and there is nothing to add.

Tips

If you are halving this recipe, be sure to use a small (approx. 2 to 3 quart) slow cooker.

The orange zest and juice add wonderful depth to this stew.

Use the variety of barley you prefer—pearled, pot or whole. Whole (also known as hulled) barley is the most nutritious form of the grain.

Variation:
Substitute wheat, spelt or Kamut berries for the barley.