Julia's Stew for when times are bad

Cold War Spy Beef Daube

Marinate 3 hrs (or 6 in fridge):
3 lbs lean stew beef
1.5 cups red or white wine
2 tbl olive oil
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp thyme/sage
1 crumbled bay leaf
2 cloves mashed garlic
2 cups thinly sliced onion
2 cups thinly sliced carrots

simmer 1/2 lb bacon cut into 1" x 1/4" x 2" strips in water, 10 minutes, drain and dry

mix:
6 oz sliced mushrooms
large can chopped tomatoes (drained or not)

preheat oven 325

drain meat in strainer, get plate of flour

layer in casserole:
2 bacon strips (why 2? they are so small. who knows)
veggies
floured beef pieces
more bacon
repeat

pour in wine from marinade and add stock to cover. simmer 3-4 hours in lower 3rd of oven, skim fat.

I like the lackadaisicality of this recipe. You can also add 1/4 cup gin OR brandy OR vermouth to the marinate. Serve with mashed potato or some kind of potato and some green vegetable. Whatever you want!