We enjoyed the stew but here are a few no-no's if you make it. For starters, I used frozen pre cut veggies for stew - the carrots came out just fine but the potatoes got mushy. Didn't mind it because it just simply tasted so darn good! BUT if you want it to come out Perfect - use REAL potatoes - maybe don't dice them either - quarter them. I believe they would not cook down so much. Thanks - it was very good and I'll certainly use it again - sans the frozen veggies!