===========================================================================
 BBS: The GWE BBS
Date: Tue Nov (05 19)              Number: 80
From: PHOENIX #189 @9415           Refer#: NONE
  To:                               Recvd: YES 
Subj: Harvest (Spicy) Beef Stew      Conf: (37) Home Cooki
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     Well, the weather is getting nice and "fall-ish", and many people are
turning their thoughts at meal-times to soups and stews and such.  I just
found this recipe' recently, and decided to try it a couple of days ago.  It
was GREAT and has been added to my list of favorites to be used over and over
again.  The ingredients sound a little strange, but believe me, it's GREAT!

                        Spiced Harvest (Fall) Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS:

     2 lbs lean beef stew meat
     1 & 1/2 tsp sugar
     1 & 1/2 tsp salt
     2/3 tsp allspice
     1 bay leaf
     1 cup apple cider
     1 can (10 & 1/2 oz) beef broth
     5 carrots, peeled, cut in 1 inch chunks
     4 medium potatoes, diced into 1 inch squares
     4 small onions, quartered
     2 Tbsp cornstarch
     1/2 cup water

PREPARATION:

     1.) Heat heavy casserole with tight-fitting lid over high heat.  Trim
         fatty edges from meat.  Add fat to hot pan to grease bottom.  Remove
         pieces and discard.

     2.) Cut meat into 1-inch cubes.  Brown quickly while stirring.  Sprinkle
         sugar over meat and brown until sugar caramelizes.  This gives a rich
         brown color.

     3.) Add salt, allspice, bay leaf, cider and beef broth.  Bring to a boil.
         Add carrots, onions and potatoes.

     4.) Return to a slow simmer.  Cover and place in oven.  Bake at 350
         degrees for 2 hours. (Check after about an hour and add up to a cup
         if water if needed.)

     5.) Stir cornstarch into water.  Stir mixture into stew.  Bake another
         1/2 hour.

     This is good served with a tossed green salad, hot French bread, and
     baked apples for desert.


        Enjoy!