Red-Wine Braised Beef Stew

I had some beef chuck, and I thought what should I make?  A red-wine braised beef stew!  I cooked the beef slowly for 3 hours with the vegetables and fresh thyme I got from the CSA.  I poured it over some orzo pasta I made, and topped it off with peeled cherry tomatoes.  You can really taste the freshness in the ingredients.  And the red wine--always gives amazing flavor to the dish.

Braising in a stew...with my herbs tied whole together on a string

The finished product.  Delicious.