This tasty recipe fits the bill deliciously, and makes about 6 servings.

     And now that the kids are back in school, be aware that it's a meal you can put together fairly quickly. Once it's cooking, you'll have plenty of time to help the kids with their homework.

SLOW-COOKING STEW

Ingredients

  4 carrots, chopped
  2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  1 onion, chopped
  3 stalks celery, chopped
  3 lbs. cubed stew meat
  1 packet dry onion soup mix
  1 can (10.75-oz.) condensed golden mushroom soup
  1 3/4 cups water

Preparation

     1. Place carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, onion and celery in slow cooker. Place stew meat over vegetables.

     2. In a medium bowl, combine the soup mix with the can of soup. Add water and mix well. Pour in slow cooker over meat and vegetables. Add water as needed so liquid comes just to the bottom of the meat.

     3. Cook on low setting overnight, adding more water as necessary in morning. Allow to cook all day.