Beef Bourguignon

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Pat beef cubes dry with paper towels and sprinkle evenly with Montreal Steak Seasoning; set aside.
2. Preheat large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil and diced bacon. Sauté until bacon is crisp; Remove bacon with slotted spoon to drain on paper towels. Brown beef cubes in bacon fat on all sides in batches. Keep browned beef warm on covered tray. Add carrots, onions, garlic, salt and black pepper to pot. Cook until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add sherry or if using brandy, ignite to burn off alcohol. Add beef and bacon back to the pot along with red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
3. Bring to a boil, stirring well; remove from heat. Place, stew, covered, in oven for 1 1/2 hours or until meat and veggies are fork tender.
4. Meanwhile, preheat large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter, brown sugar, mushrooms and pearl onions and sauté until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix together remaining butter with flour into a paste; set aside. Transfer stew from oven to stove top and bring to a boil. Stir in mushrooms and pearl onions and butter paste. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes until gravy is thickened. Serve over mashed potatoes or toasted crostini.