Crock Pot Czech Beef Stew with Gherkins

4 slices bacon cut in 1 inch pieces

2 1/2 lbs. beef stew meat

salt and pepper

8 oz. mushrooms

1 large onion sliced

1 T. paprika

1/2 C. dry red wine

1 1/2 C. beef broth

1 small jar gherkins cut in half

Fry bacon in a skillet. Salt and pepper beef and fry it in the bacon fat. Add to the crockpot when it is browned.

Saute onions and mushrooms in the skillet, adding a little oil if necessary, until onion begin to color. Add to crockpot.

Add all the ingredients to the crockpot, except for the gherkins and bacon. Cover and cook for 4 - 5 hours on high or 6 - 7 hours on low. Stir in pickles and bacon. Thicken if you want to. Serve over rice.

Serves 6 - 8.