Beef stew

2 T flour
1/8 t pepper
1 lb stew meat
1 T vegetable oil
1 can beef broth
1/2 c water
1/2 t dried thyme crushed
1 bay leaf
3 md carrots cut
2 md potatoes cut

mix flour and pepper.  coat beef with flour.  in pot heat oil.  add beef and cook until browned.  set beef aside.  pour of fat. add broth, water, thyme, and bay leaf to crockpot.  let heat.  add beef.  reduce heat to low.cover and cook 1 1/2 hours. add carrots and potatoes. cover and cook 30 minutes. discard bay leaf.

makes 4 servings