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1
On waxed paper, roll beef cubes in flour mixed with salt and pepper, coating evenly on all sides. Reserve remaining flour mixture for later. In hot butter in 6-quart Dutch oven or large pot, brown beef well on all sides, turning with tongs. DO NOT OVERCROWD.
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2
As beef is browned, remove, and set aside. Continue browning rest. Take 30 minutes in al to give good rich flavor and brown color. Return beef to Dutch oven; add bay leaf, thyme, chopped celery, onion with cloves, parsley sprigs. Toss to coat with drippings.
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3
Add 3 cups water; bring to boiling; reduce heat, and simmer, covered, 2 hours. Add onions, carrots, and potatoes; simmer, covered, 20 minutes; add turnips and celery; simmer 10 minutes. During this 10 minutes, make dumplings: In medium bowl, combine biscuit mix and parsley; stir in egg and milk, mixing with fork just until blended. Drop batter by 10 rounded tablespoonfuls onto gently boiling stew (on meat or vegetables, not in liquid-this makes dumplings soggy), 2 to 3 inches apart, allowing room for expansion.
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4
Cook, UNCOVERED, over low heat, 10 minutes.
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5
COVER tightly; cook 10 minutes longer.
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6
Using slotted spoon, remove dumplings to heated baking dish; keep warm in oven while thickening the stew: In small bowl, combine 3 Tablespoons reserved flour mixture with 1/4 cup water, stirring until smooth. Stir gently into stew; simmer 5 minutes or until the mixture is thickened. Replace dumplings on top of stew to serve. Reheat gently, covered, until thoroughly hot. Makes 8 to 10 servings.
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7
McCall's Cooking School.