Never Fail Chicken (Beef, Elk, Pork, Venison) Stew

1 to 1-1/2# excellent quality meat - cut in small cubes

extra virgin olive oil and butter

1 lg. onion - part minced and part chopped

3 stalks celery - chopped

3-4 carrots - cut into chunks

2 potatoes - cut in cubes

4-6c water

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 pkg. dry onion soup

Saute' the meat and minced onion in olive oil and butter.  When brown, add a little water, chicken or beef stock, or wine. Saute' and brown again, repeating several times.  Add chopped vegetables, stir and saute' another 15 minutes or so until the onions are translucent.  Add the remaining 3 ingredients, stir well then cover and simmer an hour or so.  Serve in big bowls with crusty bread. . .Lin