Dr Pepper Beef Stew

The temperature is 30 degrees colder than when I got up this morning.  I watched snow dance back and forth across the street as the thermostat kept dropping.  It was a good day to make something in the crock pot, craft and watch old movies.  Or read and nap.  All of which happened in my household.  I don't generally drink Dr Pepper on it's own but I do like cooking with it and how it flavors meat and sauces.  I think next time I'll tackle using it in chili...

Dr Pepper Beef Stew

2 # beef stew meat
1/3 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup onions, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups Dr Pepper
2 cups beef broth
2 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup peas

Combine flour, salt, pepper and paprika.  Dredge beef stew meal pieces in it and place in a heated frying pan with a couple tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in it.  Brown meat and both sides and place in your crock pot.  You will have to do this a few times so be sure to add more olive oil each time.  Just before the last batch is done, add in onions and garlic and cook for a couple minutes before adding everything into the crock pot.  Add in Dr Pepper and beef broth.  Cover and cook over medium heat for 4 hours.  After that time, add in carrots and potatoes.  Cook until fork tender and then add in peas and cook for another 15 minutes.  Taste and you might want to season a little bit more.