Stew and Dumplings

This is the easiest, most economical and most hearty meal anyone can make. You can be creative and add a variety of spices, vegetables, grains and meats to this dish, but the following recipe is the most basic of stew recipes. 

Beef Stew

2 stalks celery
4 carrots
3 potatoes
1 onion
1/2 cup each corn and peas
1  large steak, or favorite cut of beef for stewing.

3 cups beef broth
1/2 - 1 cup water to cover

1/2 cup cream

Wash celery.  Peel potatoes, onion and carrots.  Brown beef.

Cut beef, celery, carrots, potatoes and onion into large chunks and place in large pot.  Add in 1/2 cup peas and 1/2 cup corn.

Pour in broth, then water just to cover beef and vegetables.  Bring to boil then simmer on med low heat until vegetables are soft and stew has slightly thickened.

Bring down to low simmer, mix in cream just to heat.

Serve hot.

Steamed Dumplings

1 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup milk

Stir dry ingredients together in medium bowl.  Rub or cut in butter.  Add milk to make a soft dough ( use more milk if necessary ).  Drop by heaping spoonfuls into boiling stew.  Cover and simmer for about fifteen minutes.