Recipe: Daube of Beef (using beef chuck and ham, crock pot)

DAUBE OF BEEF

5 shallots, sliced thin
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1/3 cup chopped baked ham
1 slice orange peel (1/2 x 3-inches)
1 bay leaf
3 lb boneless lean beef chuck, cut in 1 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp whole black peppercorns
1/4 tsp dry thyme
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp dry sage
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup dry white wine or beef broth
1/4 cup brandy
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter or margarine
salt (to taste)
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

In slow cooker, combine shallots, garlic, carrots, ham, orange peel, and bay leaf.

Coat beef cubes with flour; add to cooker. Sprinkle with peppercorns, thyme, cloves, and sage. Drizzle with vinegar; pour in wine and brandy.

Cover; cook LOW until beef is very tender. Remove and discard bay leaf and orange peel, then blend in flour and butter (Blend together).

Increase cooker heat to HIGH, cover and cook, stirring 2-3 times, until sauce is thickened (about 20 minutes). Season to taste and sprinkle with parsley.

Makes 8 servings
Source: Sunset Crockery Cookbook