Beef Bourguignon

1 lb of cooked bacon

3 lbs of cubed beef

1/2 bottle of red wine

1 lb of chopped onion

1 lb of chopped celery

1 lb of chopped carrots

2 cloves of chopped garlic

1 bay leaf

a pinch of salt & pepper

Flour - enough to cover the bottom of a pan (for dredging)

OPTIONAL - 1/2 cup of minced shallots for extra flavour

Directions:

Slowly cook bacon in a large skillet then remove and reserve bacon fat. Dredge beef cubes in flour, place beef cubes in skillet and brown in bacon fat. Remove meat and place in a separate platter. Next, sauté vegetables and garlic in bacon fat and remove once browned. Combine beef, vegetables, bacon and wine in crock pot. Add a bay leaf and salt and pepper. Cook on LOW for 8 - 10 hours.