Beef Stew

1 pound stew meat
1 T. shortening
3 c. hot water
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper

Brown beef in the fat until caramelized on the surface.This takes awhile to juice out the water in the beef. Add the water and bring up to a boil. Lower the temp to simmer, on top of the stove. Add the salt and pepper, if you wish. Simmer 2
2 1/2 hours.

Add:

2-3 carrots cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large potato cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium stalk celery, cut into pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1 beef bouillon cube
1 bay leaf

Cover and simmer about 30 minutes or until veggies are soft.

Add:

1/2 cup cold water
2 T. flour or cornstarch

Mix together and add to the stew to thicken gravy.

Notes from the cook:
Its a stew, you can add and delete as you like. I like to add extra carrots because I like the taste of stewed carrots. I also like adding a can of stewed tomatoes for the same reason. Sometimes I don't add the potato and just serve it without the starch or have the starch on the side. I might want to have noodles or rice with my stew instead. If you like the taste of Green pepper or green beans, you could add a green pepper with the other veggies. The basic recipe is from Betty Crocker.
I tried to make stew for Halloween as a filler for the trick or treaters, in my life, before they went on their treat stops. I wanted something nutritious in their bellies to fend off the sugar. Now I like making stew at Halloween to remind me of the past and to unofficially welcome Winter!