This flavorful stew-like beef dish is French countryside comfort food.

Marinated Beef Province-Style

2 pounds round steak
1/4 pound bacon
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 1/4 cups red wine
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 carrots, sliced
6 onions, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
2 tablespoons brandy
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon parsley
1/8 teaspoon rosemary
1 tablespoon orange peel
Hot cooked noodles for accompaniment

1. Dice round steak and bacon and place in container with a lid.
2. Combine crushed garlic cloves, salt, chopped parsley, cloves, allspice, red wine vinegar, and red wine. Pour over the meat and marinate refrigerated for at least 12 hours, turning occasionally.
3. Remove meat, reserving marinade, and place in a kettle; brown the meat in oil. Add peeled, sliced carrots, and sliced onions.
4. Pour the marinade into a saucepan and add salt, pepper, brandy, thyme, parsley, rosemary, the juice from orange, and grated orange peel. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour over the meat.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2 1/4 hours. Serve over noodles.

Makes 6 servings.