MM'S Crock Pot Beef Stew

My first attempt at beef stew, and it was ENTHUSIASTICALLY endorsed by Mr. Peep (Dick):

1&1/2-2lbs. choice beef, cut into bite size cubes
4 med. red potatoes, diced
1 large carrot, cut into circles, then into quarters
1 sweet white onion, large dice
2 t. minced garlic
1 bay leaf
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup Merlot
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Johnny's Garlic Spread (dry mixture)
1 can low sodium beef broth
2 T. corn starch

Place beef in a large bowl, and season liberally with the Montreal Steak Seasoning and Johnny's. Put into a large sealable plastic bag, and pour wine in; seal and turn to coat. Let sit in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, add the beef and rest of the ingredients (except the corn starch) into the crock pot. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Dilute the corn starch in 4 T. water, and stir into crock pot. Turn it to high, and continue to cook at least one more hour til desired thickness has been reached. To accompany: cornbread made with smoked gouda, mild diced green chiles and smoked paprika (I rub butter on it when it is hot out of the oven),  and the salad I blogged about Monday. Talk about comfort food!! It was absolutely devoured here.

"It is amazing what a few kind words can do".

Have FUN out there today!!

Love,

MM