Prowling Goulash

Makes 8 servings

Goulash, the national dish of Hungary, is also known as shepherd stew. A goulash recipe always contains paprika. This version is very easy to prepare; you can make it in a stockpot or a slow cooker. This dish will keep for 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
16 ounce can tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup chopped spinach
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon brewer's yeast
1 1/2 cups uncooked fine noodles (about 3 ounces)
1 tablespoon flour

1. In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the beef and brown well. Drain the beef and
    return it to the pot.

2. Add the tomatoes, water, spinach, celery, salt, paprika, and brewer's yeast and bring to a boil. Reduce the
    heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour over very low heat.

3. Add the noodles and cook until the noodles are done, about 15 minutes.

4. Add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes to thicken the sauce, making sure to blend the flour well.
    Let cool and serve.

Stew and Soup Storage

Here's a great tip that I read once. Save old milk or juice cartons (the 8 ounce size is best). Wash and dry them very well. Cut a carton to the size you need and pour your soup or stew inside. Then put the filled carton in a zippered freezer bag and store it in the freezer. If you stand it up in the freezer until frozen, it won't spill when you place it in the bag for storage. You can empty the carton contents into a saucepan to defrost. Do not put the carton in the microwave.

Dr. Kevin Says

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell when tasting any new food. If your cat seems hesitant to try a new food, try putting it right in front of her nose for a few seconds and see if that entices her to try it. For a cat, "smelly" food is not always a bad thing.