Shameless Enthusiasm

I did it! I actually made a recipe that we both like. Of course I did change the recipe a bit, wouldn't be mine if I didn't.

BEEF STEW
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 lb beef, stew meat
2 Tablespoons cooking oil
3 1/2 cups vegetable juice cocktail (use instead 2 1/2 cups V-8 juice)
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons instant beef bouillon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
2 1/4 cups cubed peeled potatoes
2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery

Cut beef into small cubes. Flour beef cubes on all sides. Fry on all sides. Layer onions, potatoes, carrots, and celery on the bottom of your crock pot. Sprinkle with bouillon, garlic, basil, and thyme; add meat. Pour V-8 juice into the crock pot. Boil 2 cups of water from the pan of meat, then add it to the crock pot. Cook on high for 4 hours then on low until you are read to eat.