WILLIAMS SONOMA BALSAMIC VINEGAR RECIPES

Steps:

• <b>Brown the meat</b>
• In a resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, the 1/2 tsp. salt and the 1/2 tsp. pepper. Add the beef, seal the bag and shake to coat the beef with the seasoned flour.
• In a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Working in batches if needed to avoid crowding, remove the beef from the bag, shake off the excess flour and add the meat to the pot in a single layer. Cook, turning as needed, until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes total. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate.
• Add the onion to the drippings in the pan and saut&#233; over medium heat until golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the bay leaves, wine and broth.
• <b>Braise the meat and vegetables</b>
• Return the meat and any juices from the plate to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and braise until the meat is nearly fork-tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add the potatoes and carrots, re-cover and continue to braise until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more.
• <b>Finish the dish</b>
• Season the stew with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves and discard. Stir in the vinegar, divide among individual shallow bowls and serve immediately. Serves 6.
• Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast Series, <I>Simple Suppers,</I> by Melanie Barnard (Oxmoor House, 2007).

Steps:

• In a large fry pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onions and a pinch of salt. Saut&#233;, stirring often, until the onions are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Add the balsamic and red wine vinegars and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Season the onions with salt and pepper. Use the onions immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Makes about 1 cup; serves 6.
• Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen