Valentines Bourguignon

This year instead of heart shaped potatoes and molten chocolate cakes (I've done them both), I went for something I know James really loves -- a hearty, slow cooked, wine soaked stew. Julia Child's classic Boeuf Bourguignon. As any Julie Julia fan knows it's really three recipes in one -- braised onions, sautéed mushrooms, and the stew itself. Bits of bacon and beef browned on the stove, covered in red wine and beef broth then oven-braised slowly until the meat is fork tender. It's a half day affair at best and Valentines falling on a Monday left Sunday afternoon for cooking ahead. Like most stews, BB is even better the day after. 51 years after it's publication this well-loved classic still says I love you in the richest beefiest way possible. Happy Valentines Day, Honey.