Hearty Vegetable Stew, Crock Pot Recipe

I think the best part about cold weather is the abundance of soup and stew recipes. This vegetable stew is truly hearty.

The best part, though, is that it is easy to make (thanks to the crock pot).

• 2 small onions, thickly sliced
• 3 celery stalks, thickly sliced
• 2 carrots, thickly sliced
• 3 potatoes, peeled & wedged
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, quartered
• 3 large cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup low-sodium tamari
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1/2 tbs. grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp. marjoram
• 1/2 tsp. thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbs. cornstarch

Layer the ingredients, except the cornstarch,into the crock pot, adding the liquids at the end. Cover, and cook on high for six hours or low for 12 hours.

After it is done cooking, gradually add the cornstarch while stirring briskly (so it doesn't lump together). Stir until the stew thickens. Then, serve!