Summer, we need to talk.......................

What the hell Summer? You really need to consider getting some help and possibly some medication to regulate your mood! You are scaring us and we are very concerned! How about you come on over for some lemonade and we can discuss what the hell is going on in your life that is so bad that you can't throw us a bone and give us 3 consecutive beach days...preferably on the weekend. Lets talk..just let it out because next thing you know Falls gonna come along and bring your relative "Indian Summer" and everyones gonna say "the hell with you Summer! I'm planning my vacations in September, because you can't do your godamn job and be warm and sunny!!!" Get it together ! What ever is responsible for making you so moody isn't worth losing your status as the "fun favorite season"!
  So I am literally writing this from beneath 3 blankets i have fashioned into a make shift igloo type shelter from the freezing temperatures. I am feeling like I want something that can really warm me up but that won't require to much effort because of the coma effect this crap weather is having on me..so time to bust out my friend "the slow cooker" and I am going to make one of my favorite Colombian stews...This is a traditional Colombian dish complete with tender beef, hearty sweet potatoes, sweet apricots in a savory cinnamon garlic tomato and wine sauce...It is a super tasty alternative to the usual beef stew and this is like a $7 dish that you can pick on all day whip up a quick corn bread and call it a day!...:)

 Cold summer Colombian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew...

1	lb boneless beef chuck
1/2	teaspoon sea salt
1/4	teaspoon white pepper
1 1/2	teaspoons canola oil
3	cups peeled sweet potatoes cut into 1inch squares
2	teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1/2	teaspoon ground cloves
1	bay leaf
1	stick cinnamon
1	large onion diced
1	can (28 oz)  whole peeled tomatoes  undrained
1/2	cups dried apricots, cut in half  1/4    cup white wine

                          

 Remove  the excess fat from beef. Cut beef into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper. In skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook beef in oil for about 5 minutes until brown on both sides.

In slow cooker, mix beef and remaining ingredients. (except the apricots)Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4-6 hours or until beef is tender.  15 minutes before serving add in the apricots until soft. ***don't forget that corn bread!!!