You will either need a crock pot or be committed to knowing that this sort of dish will cook all day in a pot on the stove: everyone will love it; the smell will make your island cabin smell wonderful!
Cook time: 9 hours
1 and 1/2 to 2 pounds lean beef stew meat
8 carrots, sliced thin
6 medium potatoes, sliced thin ( or cut into wedges or cubed)
1 apples, chopped (I recommend Granny Smith)
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 c. apple cider
Place carrots, potatoes and apples in your crock pot or very large stove-top pot/pan. Add meat and sprinkle with salt, thyme and chopped onion. Pour cider over meat. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.
Remove meat and vegetables to serving dish.
Thicken juices with a flour and cold water mixture (about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons flour and 2 tablespoons water) cooking on high in slow cooker until thickened. Pour back over the meat/vegetables.