Awesome Crock Pot Recipe

I don't know about y'all, but I love being able to throw stuff into my crock pot in the morning and have it all ready to go with some fresh rolls for dinner. This is a great recipe from Gooseberry Patch's Fall, Family and Friends cookbook. I made it this morning-it's only noon and my house smells A-MAZING!

Winter Warm Up Beef Simmer

3 lbs beef chuck stew meat
6 slices bacon (Ok, I cheat...I just throw in a whole bag of real bacon pieces)
1 C white onion, chopped
8 redskin potatoes, cubed
3 carrots, sliced ( my family doesn't like carrots-they are omitted at my house)
8 oz pkg mushroom slices
1/2 C fresh parsley (yeah right! Canned all the way, for me baby!)
1 can frozen apple juice, thawed
1 10 1/2 oz can beef broth
6 oz tomato PASTE
1/2  tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp thyme
1 tsp garlic salt
2 large bay leaves (these are important!)

Cook beef, bacon and onion in a dutch oven over medium high heat until browned. Throw it and all remaing ingredients into the crock pot, stir well, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove and discard bay leaves before serving.