Christmas Eve Smothered Beef

• 3 lb. round beef
• 3 cloves garlic, cut in half
• 4-inch square piece ham rind
• salt and pepper
• pinch of nutmeg
• pinch of cinnamon
• Bouquet Garni
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 slice bacon, diced
• 4 shallots, cut in halves
• 2 medium onions, quartered
• 2 carrots, cut in long strips
• 1/4 c. brandy
• 2 c. red wine
• 1/2 c. beef stock

1. Make 6 small incisions in the piece of round of beef and insert half a clove of garlic in each one.
2. In an ovenproof casserole, place the piece of ham rind; add the beef and sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.
3. Add a bouquet garni, cloves, bacon, shallots, onions and carrots.
4. Add brandy, red wine, beef stock and enough water almost to cover the meat with liquid.
5. Put a piece of heavy parchment paper over the casserole and tie it tightly around the rim.
6. Put the lid on the casserole and cook in a 250u0b0 oven for about 6 hours.
7. To serve, remove the beef to a deep platter; surround it with the vegetables and pour the juices over it, first skimming from them as much fat as possible.
8. Serves 6.

round beef, garlic, ham rind, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, bouquet garni, cloves, bacon, shallots, onions, carrots, brandy, red wine, beef stock

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=170579 (may not work)