1 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 tbsp. oil
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 onion, chopped
2 c. beef bouillon
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. sugar
1 c. flour
6 carrots, peeled and quartered
1 c. sliced celery
4 potatoes, peeled and cut up
2 onions, cut into quarters

Coat meat with flour. Heat oil in pan. Brown meat on all sides. In crock pot, combine browned beef, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, chopped onion, bouillon, pepper, salt, sugar, and vegetables. Add enough water to cover all. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours. Turn control to HIGH. Thicken stew with flour left over from coating (about 1/2 cup) dissolved in a small amount of water. Cover and cook on high 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.