Strange Brew Beef Stew

This isn't the beef stew you might be accustomed to. The ingredients aren't the ones traditionally found in it. No carrots. No potatoes. Not even beef stock. And when you see the recipe, be prepared to make a face. It doesn't really sound like the flavors would go together well. You're just going to have to trust me on this one.
It takes some time, but it's well worth the effort.
Strange Brew Beef Stew
Ingredients List

• 3 pounds beef stew meat
• chicken stock
• Large can of pears, chopped, juice reserved
• vegetable oil
• 1-2 medium onions, diced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup raisins
• half a stick of butter
• lemon zest
• bay leaf
• ketchup
• salt
• pepper
• cinnamon
• ground cloves
• dried thyme

Instructions - takes approximately 2 1/2 hours start to finish

• In a large pot, brown beef stew meat in a little vegetable oil. I recommend doing it in a couple batches. Set aside.
• Add butter to the pot and onions. Saute until onions are clear.
• Remove from heat and add the following: 1 tbsp ketchup, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves. Stir together, then add 1/3 cup flour.
• Add chicken broth, a little at a time and stir to combine. Add pear juice.
• Add one bay leaf and beef to pot, bring to a boil. Reduce, cover and simmer for one hour.
• Add sweet potatoes, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
• Add chopped pears and raisins.
• Heat through. Remove bay leaf and serve.