Emma's Beef & Guiness Stew (Crockpot)

- 2 lbs beef stew meat, well trimmed and cut into 2 inch cubes (you can use Lamb or Beef)
- 2 to 3 tbs flour
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 tspn butter
- 2 large bay leaves
- 1 large onion
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped fine
- ½ cup beef stock (do not use bouillon)
- 1 bottle of Guinness
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1" chunks
- 4-5 small potatoes, cubed with the peels left on
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

-Optional: 1/2 - 1 lb sliced mushrooms

Evenly coat the meat with the flour.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil and butter - allow to melt. When a drop of water sizzles once dropped in the skillet, the pan is ready to have the meat added. Brown each side of the meat without allowing it to stick. Add the bay leaves and allow the meat to cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove the meat from the pan, but keep the bay leaves in. Place the beef cubes in a crock pot.

Throw all the other ingredients into the crock pot

Add salt and fresh cracked pepper to suit your taste.

Cook for 4-5 hours on high heat, or 8 hours on low.