Old-Time Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 1  bay leaves 
• 2 pounds stew beef 
• 3 large carrots sliced
• 3 ribs celery chopped
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch 
• 1 clove garlic peeled
• 1 Dash ground cloves 
• 1 medium onion sliced
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika 
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 teaspoon sugar 
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 
• 2 cups water 
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce 

Equipment

• bowl
• pot

Directions

1. Brown meat in hot oil.
2. Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leaves, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika, and allspice. Cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.
3. Remove bay leaves and garlic clove.
4. Add carrots and celery. Cover and cook 30 to 40 minutes longer. To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup water and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Mix with a little hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly.