Irish Pub Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 lbs beef, cut into chunks (splurge on the cut if you can)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can tomato soup
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can water
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 4 large potatoes, cut into chunks (I don't peel carrots or spuds but you can if you like)
• 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks
• 4 onions, cut into chunks
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine
• 1/4 cup good quality cooking sherry
• 2 bay leaves