Mediterranean Beef Stew with Olives and Rosemary

Method

1. Heat small amount of olive oil in heavy frying pan over medium-high heat, add mushrooms and cook for several minutes, until starting to brown. Add mushrooms to slow cooker.
2. Add a little more oil, then cook diced onions and beef for about 5 minutes, or until starting to brown. Add to slow cooker.
3. Add 1 cup beef stock to the pan and simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced, scraping off all browned bits, then add that stock to the slow cooker.
4. Add diced tomatoes and juice, balsamic vinegar, olives, garlic, rosemary, parsley, capers, and a little black pepper. Stir gently to combine, then put lid on and cook for 6-8 hours on low.
5. Season to taste with salt and more freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot with a side of creamy mashed potatoes SPECIAL or fresh crusty bread.
6. Follow all the same instructions as for the slow cooker method, but put all ingredients in heavy dutch oven type pan, instead of a slow cooker.
7. Add one cup extra of beef stock.
8. Simmer on very low heat for about 2 hours.