For a Cozy Evening

Winter Beef Stew
by Lesia

3 Tablespoons butter
2 pounds stew beef
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup cooking sherry
5 large carrots, peeled and sliced

6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 large onion, chopped

28-ounce can diced tomatoes
15-ounce can tomato sauce

2 cans beef broth

1 package Au Jus mix
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 bay leaves

Melt butter over medium high heat in large skillet. Add meat and lightly brown on all sides. Place meat in bottom of the Hamilton Beach Set & Forget 6 Qt. Programmable Slow Cooker. Add garlic to remaining butter and juices and cook until aromatic. Add sherry and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside. Place carrots, potatoes, and onions on top of meat in slow cooker then pour juices from skillet over the top. Add tomatoes, sauce, broth, Au Jus mix, and spices. Cover and cook on high heat for 6 hours.