Beef Stew

2 lbs.    lean beef               
2 tablespoons  oil
In heavy skillet brown beef on all sides.

add:
1 quart boiling water
Let simmer for two hours.

add:
4   stalks celery cut in chunks
10  carrots cut in chunks
6   onions cut, or 12 small onions
Let simmer 1/2 hour

add:
8   potatoes, quartered
1 20oz. can tomatoes or 6 fresh tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 bay leaves
Bring to boil and let simmer until potatoes are done.