Beef and Nectarine Stir-Fry

So the past few months, since I became an independent consultant for The Pampered Chef, pretty much all the recipes I've made have been PC. Tonight, I decided to finally venture out and explore the world again!!! OK, nothing so dramatic. But tonight's recipe I found in The About.com Guide to Shortcut Cooking. Hey, it was on the heavily discounted bookshelf at Borders!

~Beef and Nectarine Stir-fry~

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 lb beef bottom round steak
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp peanut oil
1 onion, chopped
4 nectarines, sliced
1 cup stir-fry sauce (I found it at Safeway)

Step 1:
Place beef in the freezer for 15 minutes (makes it easier to slice). Slice partially frozen beef across the grain.
I admit, I cheated. I bought Safeway's "Ranchers Reserve Beef Top Sirloin Strips for Stir Fry" (pre-cut). Hey, it save me 15 minutes of freezer time and however many minutes of cutting time. But you can do it the hard way if you like. :)

Step 2:
Place meat in medium bowl; add vinegar, soy sauce, and corn starch. Toss with your fingers to coat. Let stand 10 minutes.

I took the time while the meat was marinating to slice and dice the nectarines and onions. You may also do this before you even start getting your hands dirty.

Step 3:
Heat wok (large skillet) until hot, then add peanut oil. Stir-fry beef until brown (4-6 minutes); remove beef to plate.

Step 4:
Stir-fry onion in wok (large skillet) until tender (4-5 minutes).

Step 5:
Return beef to skillet (don't remove the onions). Add the nectarines and stir-fry sauce. Cook over medium-high heat until sauce bubbles (~5 minutes).

Step 6:
Serve over rice (my choice), couscous, or noodles.

Total time: 40 minutes

Now, at first, nectarines with meat sounded....weird. But it was very good! And you get a serving or two of fruit in your meat and rice dish. ^^ Win-win!