4 to 5 lbs. beef
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 tbsp. flour
4 c. cubed potatoes
1 diced sm. onion
1 c. mushrooms, sliced
3/4 c. diced carrots
1/4 lb. butter

Cut meat into 1 inch cubes and coat in flour. Melt butter in Dutch oven or a heavy cast iron pot and brown beef. Add water to cover beef and simmer 2 hours. Add vegetables and simmer another hour or until done. To thicken, mix 1/4 cups flour with 1/4 cup water and add to stew, cook 5 more minutes before serving.

Dumplings can be made 15 to 20 minutes before serving by: blending 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 4 teaspoons baking powder. Cut in 3 tablespoons shortening and stir in 3/4 cup milk. Drop soft dough into stew by tablespoon. Don't remove lid until done, 15 to 20 minutes.