Heat fat in large frypan. Brown meat on both sides, turning once. Place browned meat in large baking pan. Add water, onions, carrots, and celery. Cover and bake 1 hour.

Add potatoes, cover, and bake 45 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender. Remove meat and vegetables from liquid before serving. Make gravy with liquid, if desired.

Sauerbraten

12 servings, 3 ounces each

Onions, sliced 2 cups
Lemon juice ¼ cup
Vinegar 1½ cups
Sugar 1 tablespoon
Cloves, whole 12
Bay leaves 4
Pepper ⅛ teaspoon
Salt 2 teaspoons
Beef rump roast, boneless About 3½ pounds
Fat or oil 2 tablespoons
Cooking liquid and water 1½ cups
Cold water ½ cup
Gingersnaps, crushed ½ cup

Two days before:

Mix onions, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, cloves, bay leaves, pepper, and salt. Place roast in bowl. Pour onion mixture over roast. Let stand in refrigerator for 48 hours. Turn roast over in bowl halfway through standing period.

The day of serving:

Remove roast from onion mixture; drain.

Brown meat in fat in heavy pan. Add onion mixture. Simmer until tender, about 2½ hours. Remove meat; strain cooking liquid.