THRIFTY, FANCY BRAISED BEEF



INGREDIENTS



11/2 lb. stewing beef cut into cubes
4 pieces & ends bacon, fried and drained
1/3 cup flour
3 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. butter
6 diced small shallots or 1 large sweet onion
3 cups beef stock
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes undrained
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
11/2 tbsp. brown sugar
8 carrots sliced
7 large mushrooms quartered


PROCEDURES


1. Flour and season beef with salt and pepper. 2. Heat olive oil in 4-qt. sauce pot and brown beef. Remove beef from pot. 3. Add shallots or onions to pot. Cook until translucent. Add stock, tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and fried bacon. Heat until boiling. Return beef and reduce heat to low. Cook and cover for 2 hrs. 4. Add carrots and mushrooms and cook 1 hr. until tender. 5. Add butter and remove bacon and give to dog. 6. Serve hot with boiled kosher egg noodles, al dente, and grated parmesan cheese.


ADDENDUM


This dish is great for company because it can be made ahead of time save for the noodles. It can be frozen for later use. It also tastes great, like real fancy.