Hearty Beef Stew

2 pounds lean beef, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp marjoram
1 tsp basil
1 bay leaf
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
4 cups water
1 cup red wine
1 cup celery, chopped
4 cups potato, chopped
2 cups carrots, chopped
8 oz. mushrooms, chopped

In non-stick dutch oven or large pot, sear beef over medium high heat, stirring to brown on all sides. Add onion and garlic plus 1 tsp water and continue cooking until onion is translucent and softened. Add spices, stirring quickly to coat for 1 minute. Add water, wine and 2 cups potatoes. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until potatoes begin to break down and dissolve, thickening broth. Add remaining potatoes and additional vegetables, as well as additional 1-2 cups water if necessary. Return to boil and cook over low heat for another hour, or until vegetables are tender.

Healthy Jambalaya

3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 c. chicken broth (sodium free)
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1 green pepper seeded, chopped
1 c. white wine
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped
1 c. uncooked rice
1/2 c. cooked shrimp
2 tomatoes, diced

Combine broth, onion, celery, pepper, wine, and spices in a saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring often. Remove from heat.
Place rice, chicken, shrimp, and tomato in a large casserole dish. Pour herb mixture into casserole, making sure that all the rice is covered.
Cover and bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Turn off oven, but leave casserole dish in for an additional 15 minutes.