Barbara's Apple Cider Stew - For crock-pot

Ingredients:
2 pounds beef stew meat; cut in 1 inch cubes (I buy stew meat already cut)
3 tablespoons cooking oil
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
4 carrots, chopped
3 potatoes, peeled & cut, I mix white and sweet (2 ½ cups)
2 onions, sliced
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 apple, peeled and chopped (you can use more if you like apples)
2 cups apple cider (you can substitute apple juice if cider not in season)
1 tablespoon vinegar (I use apple cider vinegar)
½ cup cold water
¼ cup all-purpose flour
I also use the a little browning sauce (like for gravy)

Preparation:
In skillet or large saucepan brown half the meat at a time in hot oil. Drain off fat. Combine 3 tablespoons flour, salt, thyme, and pepper. Toss with browned meat to coat. Place carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, and apple in crockery cooker. Place meat atop. Combine apple cider and vinegar. Pour over meat. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 10 to 12 hours.

Turn cooker to high-heat setting. Blend cold water into ¼ cup flour; stir into stew. I add a squirt of browning sauce and stir. Cover; cook until thickened, about 15 minutes. Season to taste.

I use 1 ½ the recipe for 7 adults (3 young men & 1 husband with healthy appetites) and have some leftovers.

Enjoy!