SPECIAL OCCASION BEEF BOURGUIGNON

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium-low heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon, reserving drippings; drain on paper towels., In batches, brown beef in drippings over medium-high heat; remove from pan. Toss with flour, salt and pepper., In same pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat; saute onions, carrots and mushrooms until onions are tender, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook and stir 1 minute. Add wine and stock, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Add herbs, bacon and beef; bring to a boil., Transfer to oven; bake, covered, until meat is tender, 2 to 2-1/4 hours. Remove bay leaves., To serve, cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Serve stew with noodles; sprinkle with parsley. Freeze option: Freeze cooled stew in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add a little stock or broth if necessary.