BRAISED BEAR WITH SWEET POTATOES

4 lbs. bear steak
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 med. onion, minced
3 stalks celery and leaves, chopped
6 raw sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise

Cut bear meat into one-inch cubes, as for stew. Brown meat in bacon drippings or vegetable oil and put in roasting pan. Add 1/2 cup water and the minced garlic, minced onion, and chopped celery. Cover the stew and bake in oven at 350 degrees F. Add water as needed during cooking time. How long the meat needs to cook depends on the age of the animal. However, after 2 hours, check for tenderness. When the meat begins to get tender, add the raw sweet potatoes. Add water as necessary. Cover and cook until meat and potatoes are done.