"Gem's Stuff" (Jamaican Stew)

Made by Erin's parents for many years, as learned from an old family neighbor and friend from Jamaica, Gem (and further revised to reduce spiciness).

Ingredients:

• 6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large green pepper, chopped about an inch long
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 4 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 lb baby carrots
• 1 1/2 lbs beef cubes
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 5 potatoes, cut bite sized
• Rice of your choosing

Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to package directions.
2. In a large pot, brown beef cubes. 
3. Move beef to side of pot and add garlic and cook until golden.  Mix with beef cubes.
4. Add soy sauce and continue to cook.
5. Once hot, add all vegetables (except carrots) and continuously stir until softened.
6. Add 3 cups of water and carrots.  Continue to cook on high until carrots are tender.
7. Add 2 cups of water and potatoes.  Cook until potatoes are tender.
8. Add on top of rice and serve!

The McLean family resided next to Erin's family and being Jamaican, they cooked us many dishes from their country.  Gem taught Wendy and Michael how to make this dish with many spices, but Wendy and Michael revised this dish to reduce spiciness for their two young children at this time.  It still remains a family favorite and Jason also loves this dish.