Brown 2 pounds beef chuck cut in 1 1/2 inch cubes on all sides--keep turning with tongs. Don't hurry--this should take about 20 minutes. It's the browning that gives stew rich color and flavor. Put in crock pot on low.

Slice up a big onion and a clove of garlic. 1 tbsp. each salt and lemon juice 1 tsp. each sugar and Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp. each pepper and paprika Bay leaf Dash of allspice or cloves