1 large carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
2 sticks celery, rough chopped
375g/12oz chestnut mushrooms
1 head garlic, cut in half horizontally
1 large onion, peeled and cut into chunks
freshly chopped flatleaf parsley
450g/1lb shallots, peeled
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp plain flour
4 bay leaves
290ml/陆 pint fresh beef stock
3 tbsp olive oil
50g/2oz unsalted butter
1.5kg/3lb5oz chuck beef or braising steak, cut into 5cm/2in pieces
225g/8oz whole piece of smoked bacon or pancetta
5 tbsp brandy
2 bottles red burgundy wine