yummy stew...from the kitchen of my aunt Sarah! :)

2 lbs beef stew meat, cut in 1.5" cubes
2 Tbsp Crisco
1 tsp. Worchetershire sauce
1 clove garlic
1 medium onion sliced
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp pepper
dash ground all spice or cloves

6 carrots, pared and quartered
4 potatoes pared and quartered
1 jar pearl onions
3 Tbsp all purpose flour

In a large stew pot, thoroughly brown meat in 2 Tbsp hot shortening, turning often. Add 2 cups hot water and next 9 ingredients. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. Add vegetables. cover and cook 30-45 min or until vegetables are tender.

Slowly blend 1/3 cup cold water into 3 Tbsp flour. Stir slowly into hot stew mixture. Cook and stir til bubbly. * If you need to add more liquid, add more of the other ingredients proportionally!