Absolutely the Best Amish Beef Stew

INGREDIENTS

• 2 -3 lbs boneless beef cubes
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cups boiling water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 dash allspice
• 1 dash clove
• 6 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks or 1 lb peeled baby carrots
• 6 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup flour