Beef Stew...

So this is my first post. I have been craving beef stew but it has been so hot here that stew did not sound like a smart choice. Well, this morning it rained (even though it's still in the 70's) so I took advantage of this opportunity to try this new recipe.

2 lbs. stew beef
2 T. vegetable oil
2 C. water
1 can beef broth
1 T. worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 bay leaf
1 medium onion, chopped
4 small red potatoes, cubed
1 t. salt
1 t. sugar
1/2 t. pepper
1/4 t. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. paprika
3 large carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 T. cornstarch

Brown meat in hot oil. Add water, beef broth, worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaf, onion, potatoes, salt, sugar, pepper, garlic salt & paprika. Cover & simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove bay leaf. Add carrots & celery. Cover & cook 30-40 minutes longer.

To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water & cornstarch until smooth. Mix with a little hot liquid & return mixture to pot. Stir & cook until bubbly.

*Jevin, the kids & I ate every last bit of this soup so be sure to double or even triple the recipe if you have more people or want left overs.