In stew pot, add oil over high heat. Dredge meat with flour and quickly sear a few pieces at a time until browned. Add onions, carrots, celery, and water to pot with meat; simmer 15 mins. Add remaining ingreds except peas. Mix well; simmer on low until meat is tender and vegs are cooked. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary. Just before servng, add peas and serve stew over biscuits.

Baking Powder Biscuits: Preheat oven 425 F. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Cut in shortening. Combine milk and eggs; mix into flour with a fork until just moistened. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently. Roll to 3/4" thickness. Cut with a 2" figured cutter and place on an ungreased baking tray. Bake 12 mins or until golden.

VARIATION: Instead of baking biscuits separately, place the dough on top of the hot set in an ovenproof pan. Bake at 350F for about 18 mins until they are golden brown. Serve straight from the pan by scooping out a biscuit and some stew all together.