BASIC BEEF STEW ALA BON APPETIT 1986

Steps:

• Position rack in lower third of oven and preheat to 450. Het 3 T oil in heavy 4 to 5 qt flameproof casserole over med-high heat. Add 1/3 of the beef and brown on all sides, making sure sides do not touch, 6-7 mins. Transfer beef to plate using slotted spoon. Repeat w/ remaining beef. Add chopped onion to pan, reduce heat to lowand cook until translucent, stirring often, about 7 mins. Return beef to pan, reserving juices on plate. Sprinkle beef w/ flour and toss gently til coated. Transfer to oven and bake, uncovered , stirring once, 5 mins. Remove from oven. Reduce oven temp to 325. Pour reserved juices over beef. Add enough stock to barely cover. Tie parsley stems, garlic, thyme and bay leaf in cheese cloth. Add to beef w/ salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture to boil on stovetop, scraping any browned bits from sides and bottom of pan. Transfer to oven, cover and bake, stirring occasionally, 1 1/4 hrs. Add more stock if mixture appears dry or sauce is too thick. Continue baking until beef is just tender when pierced w/ knife, 15 to 30 mins. Discard cheesecloth bag. Meanwhile, bring med saucepan of water to boil. Add onions and boil 1 min. Drain, rinse under cold water. Peel onions. Heat 1 T oil and 1 T butter in heavy med skillet over med-high heat. Add onions and saute until lightly browned, about 4 mins. Remove onions using slotted spoon. Heat remaining oil in the skillet. Add mushrooms, salt and pepper and saute until lightly browned, 2-3 mins. Transfer stew to top of stove and uncover. Add veggies and simmer until onions are tender, about 25 mins. Sauce should be thick enough to lightly coat back of spoon.If sauce is too thick, stir in additional stock. If sauce is too thin, carefully remove beef and veggies using slotted spoon and boil sauce, stirring often, until slightly thickened. Return beef and veggies to sauce. Stir in chives, parsley and tarragon. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.