Guinness Beef Stew

Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Season with a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef in batches, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a slow cooker. Continue until all the beef is browned and add more oil to the skillet, if necessary.

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet and add in the onions. Cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add in the chicken broth, 1 1/2 cups Guinness, light brown sugar, thyme, chocolate, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and using a wooden spoon, scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Add the carrots, parsnips and potatoes to the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 9 to 10 hours, or on high for 6 to 7 hours.

At the end of the cooking time, turn the slow cooker up to high. Whisk the flour and remaining 1/4 cup of Guinness until smooth. Then stir the mixture into the stew. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Stir in the parsley, discard the bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.

You can brown the beef and prepare the onion mixture the night before and add that to the slow cooker in the morning, if desired.

(Adapted from Cooks Country magazine, February 2007)