Abita Beef Stew in a Crock Pot

I came up with this idea after deciding to make beef stew and then realizing I had no wine or tomatoes in the house. The beef comes out super tender and the broth is very flavorful. It's great with hot crusty bread.

• Ready In: 8 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 lbs beef stew meat
• 2  leeks, white and light green parts only
• 2  shallots
• 4  garlic cloves
• 4  carrots
• 4  turnips
• 4  stalks celery
• 1  large  red potatoes
• 4  sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4  sprigs fresh sage
• 8  sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 (14 ounce) cans  beef stock
• 2 (12 ounce) bottles beer, I prefer Abita Amber or Pecan Harvest, but you can use any amber ale you like
• 2  bay leaves
• 1  teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2  teaspoons fresh cracked pepper

Directions

1. Chop the leeks, shallots, garlic, carrots, turnips, celery, and potato and place in the bottom of a crock pot.
2. Pick the leaves from the rosemary, sage, and thyme, and finely chop. Place in the crockpot.
3. Place the beef on top of the veggies and herbs.
4. Pour the stock and the beer over everything - it should just about cover.
5. Crack the black pepper and sprinkle in the cayenne.
6. Place the bay leaves into the crock pot, 1/4 inch under the surface.
7. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 5 hours if you're in a hurry.