Spiced Beef Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lb. lean beef stew
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 tsp. whole allspice
1 bay leaf
1 c. apple cider
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can beef broth
4 carrots, peeled and cut in 2-inch chunks
4 small onions, quartered
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. water

Preparation

Heat heavy casserole with tight-fitting lid over high heat. Trim fatty edges from meat.
Add fat to the hot pan to grease bottom.
Remove pieces and discard.
Cut meat into 2 inch cubes. Brown quickly, stirring.
Sprinkle sugar over meat and brown until the sugar caramelizes (this gives a rich brown color).
Add salt, allspice, bay leaf, cider and beef broth; bring to boiling.
Add carrots and onions.
Return to simmer.
Cover and place in oven. Stir cornstarch into water.
Stir mixture into stew and cook until thickened.
Makes 4 servings.