When it is snowy outside or when I’m skiing in the Rocky Mountains the first comfort food that comes to mind is beef stew. Its hearty, robust and flavorful. And it just warms the heart. I think what made me like beef stew originally is all those times my mom would heat up a frozen meat pie when I was a little girl. Love, love, love them!! So I wanted to learn how to make a really good beef stew. Cook’s Illustrated has a excellent recipe.