Beef Stew

20 years ago I was at a Primary Presidency meeting and the host was making this for her family for dinner.  Her house smelled amazing and I had to have the recipe.  I've been making it ever since and the meat is so tender and flavorful!

2 lbs. beef stew meat
2 T. shortening
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic
1 medium onion
1 or 2 bay leaves
1 T. salt
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp pepper
dash of cloves & allspice

4 carrots-large diced
6 potatoes-quartered or large diced
brown gravy mix

Brown meat in shortening.  Add next 9 ingredients. Add 2 cups hot water, simmer 1 1/2 hours.  Then add veggies, simmer additional 30-45 minutes.  Add gravy mix to thicken.  {Adding water prior to get the lump out before adding}