Beef Bourguignon by Catharine Skipp

If you are ever at a loss for what to get the parents of a new baby as a gift, the best idea is probably to bring them dinner. There is no sweet relief like getting to put off for just one more night the ever nagging question of "what are we going to do for dinner?"

The other night I was given this amazing gift by my husband's co-worker, Catharine Skipp. She is quite a foodie apparently and it really showed in the beef bourguignon and creme brulee she so lovingly prepared for us. I mean, wow! Beef Bourguignon. You don't just whip that up in a couple of minutes. There was also the side of roasted potatoes and a delicious salad with dressing and all. We added a pre-dinner martini and a glass of red wine and voila - It was all delicious and I am still thankful for her generosity.

We ate the wonderful dinner while watching the president announce the end of the combat mission in Iraq. And there was probably the viewing of an episode of Mad Men that followed. We had missed a Mad Men Martini Monday because we had spent a long weekend up at my parent's place in Vero Beach. Regardless, it was an unexpectedly nice evening with my husband that was not in the least bit stressful. No food to cook. No pots and pans to clean.

So, thank you, Catharine. I'll try to pay this forward to the next friend who has a baby.

Just in case someone wants to know more about beef bourguignon, check out Ina Garten's recipe here and Julia Child's version here.