This is a great recipe for a slow cooker. Follow the instructions to the end of step 2 then transfer to a slow cooker dish. Pour over hot stock and add the bay leaves. Cover with the lid, switch the cooker on to the Low setting and cook for 8 hours, until the beef is very tender. Discard the bay leaves. Make up the dumplings and place round the edge of the slow cooker dish. Re-cover with the lid and continue to cook for a further 1 hour until the dumplings are risen and cooked through.