Hearty Homemade Beef Stew

I tried this recipe for the first time this week and I had to share because it was so hearty and warm on these cold, winter days.

Time: prep- 15 minutes, cook- 1 hour 10 minutes Serves: 8

Ingredients 2 pounds beef trimmed and cubed (I used precut beef from the store, but honestly, I think it would work well with beef from a roast) 3 TBSP all purpose flour 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp salt 3 TBSP olive oil 1 onion chopped 6 cups beef broth 1 pound or 3-4 small potatoes peeled and cubed 4 carrots peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces 2 celery stalks cut into 1 inch pieces 1 tsp dried rosemary 2 Tablespoons cornstarch + 2 TBSP (mixed) (optional, but does add thickness to the broth) 1 cup peas, corn or a combo of both

1. Combine flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper in baggie or dish and toss the beef in the flour mixture.

2. Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven and brown the beef and onions.

3. Add beef broth and scrape bits off the bottom of the pot.

4. Stir in the potatoes, carrots and celery and spices.

5. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and allow to simmer for one hour or until beef is tender.

6. If adding, combine the cornstarch with water and slowly add to the stew.

7. Add the peas/corn.

8. Allow 10 more minutes for soup to simmer.

   This meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but also would go great with yummy bread, a sandwich or salad.

   * This recipe is adapted from www.spendwithpennies.com