Witch's Brew Stew with Goblin Eyeballs

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat,
• cubed 1 onion,
• diced 2 cloves garlic,
• minced 3 carrots,
• peeled and sliced 2 potatoes,
• peeled and diced 1 cup butternut squash,
• peeled and cubed 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Goblin Eyeballs: 

• 1 cup pearl onions,
• peeled 1 cup small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• Black olives, pitted and sliced for the pupils

Instructions

1. Witch's Brew Stew:

•    In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
•    Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
•    In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onions until translucent.
•    Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
•    Pour in the red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
•    Return the browned beef to the pot and add carrots, potatoes, butternut squash, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and beef broth.
•    Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender and flavors meld.
•    Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Goblin Eyeballs

•    In a separate pot, blanch the pearl onions in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and let them cool.
•    Take each pearl onion and carefully insert a small mozzarella ball into the center, creating the "eyeball."
•    Place a sliced black olive on top of each mozzarella ball as the pupil.

3. Serving
   a. Ladle the Witch's Brew Stew into bowls.
   b. Carefully place one or two Goblin Eyeballs on top of each serving.
   c. Serve with crusty bread or rolls.

Enjoy your Witch's Brew Stew with Goblin Eyeballs for a spooktacular Halloween meal!