Shiner Cheer Christmas Beef Stew with Bock Beer and Holiday Spices

Looking for a warming stew for the holiday?  Can't be, with the 70 degree weather we are having in the Mid Atlantic not two weeks before Christmas...  But if it chills down and you need some holiday comforting - try this rich, classic beef stew as the family gathers for the holidays.
2-1/2 lb beef stew, cubes 1-1/2 inches

Marinade:
1 onion
2 Tbsp fresh thyme, minced
1 Tbsp fresh sage, minced
2 Tbsp fresh oregano, minced
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp Kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp spiced rice vinegar

4 carrots, sliced in large chunks
1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg

2 bottles spicy holiday bock beer
1 stick cinnamon (or 1/2 tsp powder)

4-5 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 cup frozen peas

Put marinade ingredients in a blender and process to a smooth puree. Add puree to the beef cubes in a large bowl.

Mix well, cover and allow to marinate at least 2 hours, or preferably in the refrigerator for a day.

When ready to cook, heat a few tablespoons canola oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven. Brown the beef cubes in 3-4 batches, placing browned cubes in a bowl as you go. Do not crowd the cubes, so they brown well and don’t boil.

Now add the carrots and tomatoes to the dutch oven and allow them to cook about 10 minutes. You want the tomatoes to darken and caramelize a bit, so cook over medium high heat, stirring often.

Add the beer and bring to a boil. Stir and reduce to a low simmer. 

Cook about 45 minutes covered, stirring once or twice. Add potatoes, stir and continue cooking another 45 minutes.

Just before ready to eat, add the peas and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. 

Remove the cinnamon stick and serve.

Serves 6-8.

Cook'sNote:  There are so many great craft beers now in the USA.  Having lived in Belium and in Canada - two fantastic beer-producing countries - I used to dread returning to the USA.  Nowadays its different.  We have every bit as great beers as anywhere, and an incredible choice.

Select your favorite caramely-colored, spicy beer for this stew - it should be on the sweeter rather than the bitter side, and full of holiday flavors.  I used Shiner's Holiday Cheer Beer our son introduced us to.  A darker, slightly sweeter wheat beer, its a perfect solvent for a holiday beef stew!