TINK'S CIDER BEEF STEW WITH FLUFFY DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• In a large resealable bag, shake together stew meat, flour, salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in large Dutch oven, and brown beef in oil. Drain, if needed.
• Add spiced cider packet, water, beef stock, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1-1/4 hours.
• Add potato, carrots, celery, and onion. Return to a boil, then reduce, cover, and simmer 30 minutes, or until meat and veggies are tender.
• Combine flour and cold water. (I like to shake it in a jar with a sealed lid.) Raise heat to high; slowly pour flour and water into stew, while stirring constantly. As the mixture heats it will thicken into gravy. Thicken as much or as little as you like. You may or may not use all of the flour/water mixture.
• Make dumplings: Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs.
• Stir in milk, and drop 10 spoonfuls of dough onto hot meat or vegetables (not directly onto hot liquid).
• Cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
• Cover and cook 10 minutes longer.