One of the things that I love the most about this time of year is how people go out of their way to get together.  Sometimes months go by and you just don’t quite ‘click’ seeing one another but an extra effort is put in during the holiday season (yep, I’m officially saying November AND December are all for the holidays). 

BUT how do you entertain during the week?  Honestly, I have to make a concerted effort just to keep on top of the laundry each day so I’ve over the years come up with a few dinner recipes that can cook away while I’m at work (or cook away while I run around on a Saturday). 

One of my favourites is Slowcooked Ginger beef.

This is sort of a stew but when served with brown rice dusted with pumpkin seeds and a nice green salad you are good to entertain anyone.  Remember; don’t invite those fussy people to your house who will look for dirt anyway-they don’t deserve this tasty dish.

I take out my trusty slowcooker the night before and add; 2 onions (cut into big chunks), 3 garlic cloves (sliced), 1 baby finger sized piece of ginger (finely grated), 1 tsp. Chinese five-spice, 5 star anise, 1 tsp. crushed chilli flakes, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 2 T. tomato paste, 2 cups beef stock and a shot of dry sherry (optional).

Mix.