OLD FASHIONED BEEF STEW

1/4 c. flour
2 lb. beef stew meat
3 tbsp. oil
1 pkg. Lipton onion soup mix
1 qt. water
2 bags frozen stew vegetables
1 c. frozen green peas (added during last 10 minutes)
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
1 bay leaf
Sever2-3 dashes hot pepper sauce (optional)

In a plastic bag, combine flour with 1 teaspoon salt. Add meat cubes, shake to coat.

In a large saucepan, brown meat, in the hot oil. Add water, soup mix and spices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until beef is nearly tender. Add vegetables, cover and simmer for 30 minutes more.

If you need to thicken the stew some, use 1/4 cup of the leftover seasoning flour, mixed with 1/2 cup cold water, (make sure there are no lumps) and stir into the stew. Cook an additional 5 minutes.

Serves 6-8.