2 tbsp. fat
2 lb. stewing beef, cubed
1 med. onion, sliced
1 clove garlic
2 c. boiling water
1 tbsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 or 2 bay leaves
Dash of allspice or cloves

Brown all sides of beef, add onion and garlic (on toothpick so you can retrieve it), add next 8 ingredients. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaf and garlic. Add vegetables: 6 carrots, 1 pound small onions, 6 medium cubed potatoes; cover and simmer 30 to 45 minutes longer until everything is tender.

If desired thicken liquid for gravy. Combine 1/4 cup cold water and 2 tablespoons flour. Push vegetables to one side and stir in flour mixture. Cook stirring constantly until the gravy thickens and boils. Cook gently about 5 more minutes.

Serves 6 to 8.