I absolutely am in LOVE with this stew. I didn't cook it IN the pumpkin, due to the leakage issues other people had. I had the kids peel, then I chopped up half of a tiny pumpkin, and added it to the stew. I'm seriously lazy, so I browned the meat in a stock pot, threw the rest of the ingredients in, brought it to a boil, then put it in the slow cooker. 4 hours later, we were all in heaven. Leftovers lasted all week, and I loved every single bowl! I've struggled with beef stew in the past, and I can't stand the taste of white potatoes in my stews, but THIS... oh heavens... it was heaven! Thanks, Cathryn! Well done, girl!