You can tell a lot about a person from their cherished memories. That’s why we’ve highlighted Usaj Realty’s owner, Jenny Usaj, and her favorite Holiday recipe: Beef Bourguignon.
Get to know Jenny Usaj
Having been in the industry for well over a decade, Jenny is nothing short of an expert in all things real estate. In 2008, she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Global Finance, Trade, and Economic Development from the University of Denver. Markedly, this aids her understanding of the ever-changing real estate market and dedication to her colleagues and clients. She is a natural-born leader, and does so fearlessly within our brokerage along with the greater Denver Metro area. Emphatically, leading with passion and putting her best foot forward, she is praised for her commitment and engagement.
During her experience in real estate, she has garnered many awards and accolades for her commitment to giving back to the Denver community. Usaj Realty works closely with Habitat for Humanity and Denver Rescue Mission, to support their pursuit to help Denver’s community. Whether we are helping build homes or raising money to feed families on Thanksgiving, it is a major pillar of Usaj Realty to give back.
How this has shaped Usaj Realty today
Jenny’s values shape what Usaj Realty is today. A place where agents lead with extraordinary customer service and are passionate about the relationships held with their clients, because their goals become ours. Most importantly, that home ownership is attainable for anyone, you just need to work with the right people to get you there.
As they say, there is no place like home for the holidays!
Jenny’s favorite thing to make her home cozy during the holiday season is Barefoot Contessa’s Beef Bourguignon recipe. Maybe what’s missing from your holiday season is the perfect holiday recipe to cozy up with.
Full Recipe
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is lightly browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a large plate.
Step 3
Dry the beef cubes with paper towels and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. In batches in single layers, sear the beef in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove the seared cubes to the plate with the bacon and continue searing until all the beef is browned. Set aside.
Step 4
Toss the carrots, onions, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of pepper into the fat in the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac, stand back, and ignite with a match to burn off the alcohol. Put the meat and bacon back into the pot with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Add the wine plus enough beef broth to almost cover the meat. Add the tomato paste and thyme. Bring to a boil, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and place it in the oven for about 11⁄4 hours, or until the meat and vegetables are very tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and place on top of the stove.
Step 5
Combine 2 tablespoons of the butter and the flour with a fork and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions. In a medium pan, sauté the mushrooms in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned, and then add to the stew. Bring the stew to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Season to taste.
Step 6
Rub each slice of bread on one side with garlic and either serve on the side, or spoon the stew over the bread. Sprinkle with parsley and serve!
NOTES:
Don’t wash the mushrooms, just brush them clean.
If the sauce is too thin, you can add more of the butter and flour mixture.
To make in advance, cook the stew and refrigerate. To serve, reheat to a simmer over low heat and serve with the bread and parsley.
Copyright 2004, Barefoot in Paris, Clarkson Potter/Publishers, All Rights Reserved.
Interested in learning more about how Usaj Realty can be an integral part of your New Year’s goal of owning a home? Check out our blog for home buying tips.
