Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients:

3 lbs. beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 bottle red wine
1/8 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 Tbs. tomato paste
4 carrots, peeled and cut into1-inch pieces
1/2 lb. new potatoes, halved
1/2 bunch fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate beef in half the bottle of wine in a container in fridge for at least 24 and up to 72 hours.
2. Remove meat from wine and discard wine.
3. Season meat with salt and pepper.
4. Heat oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat and sear beef pieces in a single layer.
5. Remove browned pieces to a plate.
6. Add onions and garlic to pot and sauté until soft.
7. Transfer meat back to pot and add remaining wine and thyme.
8. Simmer for 1-1/2 hours partially covered. You can do this on the stovetop over low heat or in a 325F oven, stirring occasionally.
9. Add carrots and potatoes and cook another 15-20 minutes until everything is tender.
10. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.

Blue Cheese Croutons

Ingredients:

4 oz. blue cheese, room temperature
4 Tbs. butter, room temperature
slices of crusty bread

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Combine butter and blue cheese in a bowl until blended.
3. Spread it on slices of crusty bread and place them on a sheet pan.
4. Bake in oven 10 minutes until crisp and toasty.
5. Cut each slice in half.