Winter Warmer

November 1st - It's definitely moving towards winter with darker nights now that the clocks have changed back.  I don't know about you but it just makes me feel like stews and stodge! When I was away last week I'd picked up a recipe card for David's Lochay Venison Casserole from the Bridge of Lochay Hotel where we'd been for a lovely celebratory meal. It was just what was needed and I even got myself organised to get it prepared for the oven before I went out for a walk. (My mum would be impressed because she is always despairing when she phones on a Sunday evening and the dinner is not even in the oven!)  The diced venison was seared until browned and then put into a casserole dish with onion, red wine and stock (I left out the potatoes) - this was simmered for 30 minutes. Then carrot, celery, turnip, chopped tomatoes, parsley and some tomato purée were added along with some salt and pepper. I chose to put the casserole in the oven at this point, although the recipe said simmer at a low heat.  Just before serving a handful of frozen peas were added.  I managed to resist the temptation to make the herby dumplings........but don't think I was too virtuous.....it was actually because I made a lemon sponge pudding for desert! Wintry weather? I say....get out your casseroles and bring it on!