Old Time beef stew

2lbs stew beef

2 T veg oil

2 C water

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 clove garlic, peeled

1-2 bay leaves

1 medium onion sliced

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp paprika

Dash of allspice

3 large carrots sliced

4 red potatoes, quartered

3 ribs celery, chopped

2 T cornstarch

Brown meat in oil. Add water, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, bay leave, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, paprika and all spice. Cover and cook 30-40 minutes. To thicken gravy, remove 2 cups hot liquid. Using separate bowl, combine ¼ c water and cornstarch until smooth. Mix with hot liquid and return mixture to pot. Stir and cook until bubbly.