Boeuf Bourguignon

Directions

1. 1
   Put oil in a Dutch oven or casserole that can later be covered; turn heat to medium.
2. 2
   Add bacon, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is crisp and has given up most of its fat, about 10 minutes.
3. 3
   Remove with a slotted spoon, add meat, and turn heat to medium-high.
4. 4
   Cook, turning cubes as they brown and sprinkling them with salt and pepper, until meat is brown and crisp all over, at least 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Remove with a slotted spoon.
6. 6
   Turn heat to medium, and add onions, thyme, bay leaves, garlic and parsley, with more salt and pepper.
7. 7
   Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, about 5 minutes.
8. 8
   Add wine, and let it bubble for a minute, then return meat to pan.
9. 9
   Cover and adjust heat so mixture simmers gently for about an hour, then add mushrooms, onions and bacon.
10. 10
    Re-cover, and cook until tender, adding a little more liquid if mixture threatens to dry out.
11. 11
    Depending on meat, dish could be done in as little as 30 minutes more, or three times as long.
12. 12
    Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish and serve, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before reheating.