Beef A La Mode Recipe

Beef A La Mode Recipe:

Beef A La Mode is a classic French dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The term "a la mode" translates to "in fashion" or "stylish," and this dish certainly lives up to its name. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender beef with aromatic vegetables and spices.

To make Beef A La Mode, you will need the following ingredients:

- 6 lbs. Leg of Beef or Silverside
- 1 Calf's Foot
- 2 Onions
- 2 Carrots
- 1 Turnip
- 1 fagot of Herbs (a bundle of herbs such as thyme, parsley, and bay leaves)
- 40 Peppercorns
- 1 blade of Mace
- 6 Cloves
- Salt

The total cost of these ingredients is approximately 1 shilling and 3 pence. The preparation time for this dish is about five hours.

To begin, chop up the calf's foot and place it in a large pot with cold water. Bring it to a boil and let it boil for five minutes. Then, remove the foot from the pot, scrape off any excess skin or impurities, and wash it well. Place the foot back in the pot along with the beef, which should be cut into pieces.

Cover the contents of the pot with cold water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the fagot of herbs, peppercorns, mace, and cloves tied in a piece of muslin. This will infuse the flavors into the broth. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about three hours.

While the beef and foot are simmering, slice up the onions, carrots, and turnip into small pieces. Add them to the pot and continue simmering the dish for another two hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory broth.

After five hours of cooking, take out the calf's foot and remove all the bones. Cut the meat into small pieces and return it to the pot. Remove the spices tied in muslin and season the dish with salt to taste. Remove any excess fat from the surface of the broth.

Finally, bring the pot to a boil once more and then serve the Beef A La Mode hot. The long cooking time ensures that the flavors are well-developed and the meat is tender and succulent. This dish can also be prepared a day in advance, as the fat can be easily skimmed off after refrigeration.

Fun Fact: Beef A La Mode originated in France and was traditionally prepared using a cut of beef called silverside, which is a lean and flavorful cut from the hindquarter of the animal. The calf's foot is used to add a gelatinous texture and richness to the dish. The combination of aromatic vegetables and spices gives this dish its distinct flavor profile.

Similar recipes to Beef A La Mode include Beef Bourguignon and Pot-au-Feu. Beef Bourguignon is another traditional French dish that features beef braised in red wine with bacon, onions, and mushrooms. Pot-au-Feu is a classic French beef stew that is cooked slowly with various vegetables and aromatic herbs. Both of these dishes are beloved for their rich flavors and comforting qualities.

So, next time you are in the mood for a classic French dish, give Beef A La Mode a try. Its tender beef, flavorful broth, and aromatic vegetables will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy this stylish and delicious dish that has stood the test of time. Bon appétit!