Beef Bourguignon is a casserole that delivers on all levels with an intensely flavored red wine sauce and beef that melts in the mouth. Serve with creamy Dijon potatoes, lightly steamed green vegetables, and some real French bread. Reduce beef stock by half to create a rich double strength stock.

• SERVES: 6 to 8
• PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes
• COOKING TIME: 2½ to 3 hours
• COOK IN: 5½ quart round oven, or doufeu

Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over a medium heat. Add the bacon lardons and cook until lightly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a plate (retaining the oil in the doufeu) and set to one side.

Fry the meat in 2 to 3 batches, adding small amounts at a time and removing from the pan once lightly browned. Add a little more olive oil between batches if necessary.

Return the bacon lardons and the removed beef to the round oven. Add the wine a third at a time, stirring well to release any caramelized juices from the base of the doufeu.

Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, beef stock, carrots, the bouquet garni, and 2 teaspoons of black pepper. Bring the contents to a simmer over a medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, put on the lid, and cook for 2 hours.

Half an hour before the beef finishes cooking, caramelize the shallots and mushrooms by melting 2 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet over a low to medium heat. Add the shallots and fry for 10 to15 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. This requires patience as slow caramelization will produce a deeper flavor. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, add the mushrooms, and gently fry until nicely browned.

After the 2 hours cooking time is over, carefully remove the lid from the doufeu and discard any remaining water. Remove the bouquet garni.

For the beurre manié, blend the butter and flour in a small bowl. Add to the sauce in small amounts, stirring after each addition until it has all been incorporated, whisking to remove lumps. Stir in the caramelized shallots and mushrooms. Simmer for 10 to15 minutes to reduce and thicken.

Stir well, adjust the seasoning to taste, and sprinkle with the parsley before serving.

Wine Pairing: Earthy Pinot Noir from Côte de Nuits or Oregon is a classic match. Buy two bottles, one to cook and one to enjoy with the finished dish!