OXTAIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a 4-quart Dutch Oven brown oxtail and onion in hot oil for several minutes.
• Add water, salt and peppercorns; simmer uncovered for about 2 hours.
• Cover and continue to simmer for 3 additional hours.
• Add the parsley, carrots, celery, bay leaf, tomatoes, and thyme; continue simmering for 30 minutes longer or until the vegetables are tender.
• Strain stock and refrigerate for an hour or more.
• In a blender puree the edible meat and vegetables and reserve.
• Remove fat from top of stock and reheat.
• In a large, dry frypan brown flour over high heat.
• Cool slightly.
• Add the butter or margarine, blend.
• A little at a time, add the stock and vegetables.
• Correct seasoning and add madeira just before serving.