Christmas Eve Smothered Beef - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

Make 6 small incisions in the piece of round of beef and insert half a clove of garlic in each one.
In an ovenproof casserole, place the piece of ham rind; add the beef and sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Add a bouquet garni, cloves, bacon, shallots, onions and carrots.
Add brandy, red wine, beef stock and enough water almost to cover the meat with liquid.
Put a piece of heavy parchment paper over the casserole and tie it tightly around the rim.
Put the lid on the casserole and cook in a 250\u00b0 oven for about 6 hours.
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.
Serves 6.