RED WINE BRAISED BEEF SHANKS WITH ROASTED GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• If the shanks have a white membrane around the outside, slit that membrane from top to bottom all around the meat to prevent curling during cooking.
• Season the beef shanks with salt and pepper.
• Dredge the beef shanks in the seasoned flour, coating each side completely.
• When the oil is hot, sear the beef shanks for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until brown on all sides.
• Remove the shanks and set aside.
• Add the onions to the pan and saute for 2 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the celery, carrots and parsnips, and continue to saute for 1 minute.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Stir in the garlic and herbs.
• Cook for 1 minute.
• Deglaze the pan with the red wine, scraping the bottom and sides to loosen the browned particles.
• Add the stock and mushrooms.
• Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
• Add the beef shanks and continue to cook for about 2-4 hours, basting the shanks often, or until the sauce is stew-like and the meat starts to fall off the bone.
• You can leave it to simmer on the stove, or put the whole pot into a 300 degree oven.
• Season with salt and pepper if needed.
• If sauce is not thick enough, add cornstarch mixed with sauce from stew.
• About half an hour before you are ready to serve, make the potatoes.
• Boil and drain the potatoes.
• Add seasonings and butter, then about 1/3 c half and half.
• Mash to desired consistency, adding more cream as necessary.
• To serve, mound garlic mashed potatoes in the center of the plate.
• Lay a beef shank beside the potatoes and spoon some of the gravy over the top.
• Sprinkle with parsley and serve.