Vertically Challenged Stew...or soup...your call!

I found this recipe ages ago on foodandwine.com.  It is not a typical summer dish, but I had short ribs that needed to be used.  However, to be PC, because I am just SOO PC...they are vertically challenged.  Not to mention, I have a 'thing' for acronyms.  SHP's, HP's, ASAP, PITA's, you name it, I'm all over it!  I also had an inner desire to utilize this recipe.  Looking back, I totally would have made some homemade pasta...but it is a weekday, and I do have a day job...Also, I would have delved into the difference between stew and soup...but that just seemed to be boring...Sort of like C-SPAN...you want to be informed, but watching it for more than five mintues...YAWN and double YAWN.  I actually read an article that a cable company...who shall remain nameless for legal purposes, would use C-SPAN to entice their 'not so willing to pay' customers into paying, by shutting off cable and only broadcasting previously said channel..

Anyway,  I  should also address my pride and joy....E.V...then move along to the food thing..After all, It's what I do best.  Hahahaha.  And we need to adhere to said agenda!  Well, an argument could be presented with that statement, so perhaps I should tone things down just a tad.....regarding what I do best, that is!

Treats were around tonight...  Courtesy of the pet store.   I'll give a shout out to Western Pet Supply!  E.V. really knows how to work someone.  I am totally taking her along with me the next time I need to buy a vehicle or if I am pullled over for speeding.  She would TOTALLY talk us out of a ticket....Sundresses and mini-skirts just don't cut it...I've lost my touch I suppose :-)

"Mama, these treats are heavenly...why don't you give out treats like these...."  I try Sweet Pea, I try...

So where was I....I was so caught up in the excitement I lost track of my purpose..and I DO have a purpose...relevant or not...it is a purpose.  Which is better than having a porpoise.  I've been to Sea World..they are quite needy.  I really wouldn't want one of those..

Here are the veggies for my vertically challenged stew...

Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, mushrooms, onions...and my love....that's the 'secret' ingredient.  Hahahahha.  Only my family can appreciate my affection for 'secret' ingredient.  It may sound enticing...however, when your are 10..you don't necessarily make the best food decisions...so secret ingredients usually equated to 'YUCK!'

  BUT Not this time!  I'm a 'seasoned' secret-ingredient contributor....I've been on the streets...I've seen the carnage...I know the drill..and I have a million other of these in my arsenal.  haahhahahah.  not really.  I'm like the dog...all talk...

Can't complain about my stew...and, again, I use that term quite loosely...I wasn't about to use my 'Google-Fu' to educate all on stews/soups, as previously discussed...but.... we're calling this a stew...for the sake of argument..  You'll just thank me tomorrow...and if I can keep you away from C-SPAN, you'll thank me even more...perhaps erect a shrine in my honor, or name something after me.  I'm a humble gal....it doesn't take much..just make it interesting!  An ice sculpture, a plot of land...a mountain,..  I could go on and on...a mathematical equation...a porpoise??  I'm not picky..in case you were concerned...

Alright...I have gone on long enough..Make a stew or a soup or whatever your fridge calls out to you...It will fill your belly and boggle your mind.  But only in a good way!...especially if you trek the vertically challenged territory...  Ummm  Yum!