Apple Cider Stew

Two words describe this best, Sweet and Savory, and of course delicious. I found this on a recipe website I like to browse. I had some apples I needed to use up so I decided to give it a try. We enjoyed it. The reviews said it was better the 2nd day but we ate it all so I can't vouch for that.
I will post the recipe as I found it and then the second one with what I did because I didn't have all the ingredients.

1 # beef stew meat, cut into bite size pieces
2 tsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp dried thyme (optional)
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 1/2 C apple cider
4 carrots, sliced
3 potatoes, chopped
2 sm Fuji apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1 C chopped onion
1 stalk celery, chopped (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp thyme

1. Combine the beef stew meat with flour, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper, and 1/8 tsp thyme. Toss to coat evenly.


2. Heat oil in a large pot, cook meat in oil until nicely browned about 5-7 minutes. Pour apple cider over meat, reduce heat down to medium low and simmer until tender, about 1 hour.


3. Add carrots, potatoes, apples, onion, celery, 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp thyme. Continue cooking at a simmer until vegetable are tender, about 1/2 hour.

what I did
1/2 # hamburger (You can use more, that's just all I had)
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 potatoes, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 apples, chopped (used what I had, I think they were Galas)
2 C apple juice (or cider)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp beef bullion
1/2 C frozen peas (optional)
1 pkg brown/beef gravy mix
1/2 C cold water

1. Brown the hamburger. Add other ingredients, except gravy mix and water, and simmer until tender.


2. Add frozen peas.


3. Mix gravy with water. Add to stew, and cook until thickened.


4. ENJOY