Be sure to buy good-quality dried porcini mushrooms (with large white cross sections). Cheaper ones are dark and shriveled and have an overly pungent aroma, which will give the stew an off taste.
For a great tasting weeknight dinner with lots of bold flavor, try Jerk Chicken and Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers. The mini bell peppers will be a big hit, and the creamy filling will help tame the heat of the jerk chicken.
Here's a delicious ice-cream recipe that doesn't require an ice-cream maker: Just stir the ingredients together, and freeze. Fold the whipped topping in with as few strokes as possible while making sure everything is well blended.