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1
Heat oven to 325u00b0F Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, hot, ovenproof casserole dish. Brown the beef on both sides in the hot dish, in batches if applicable, making sure beef is well browned; if it sticks a little, leave it until it releases. Remove from pan and add another 1 tbsp oil. Brown bacon, then add the vegetables and mushrooms, cooking for about 5 minutes each addition. Add the bouquet garni and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
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2
Add the tomato puree and the wine. Bring to a boil and boil hard for about 10 minutes to reduce a little. Add stock, return the meat to the pan, and bring back to a boil. Season to taste with salt & pepper, then cover and cook in the oven for 3 hours or until the meat is tender.
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3
Remove the meat to a plate. Strain the liquid and return to the pan. Reserve the bacon and vegetables, but discard the bouquet garni. Bring to a boil and boil until reduced to about 1-1 1/4 cups. Cut the meat into big chunks. Slide the bacon and vegetables into the sauce, followed by the meat, and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until piping hot.
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4
When meat is close to done, make the pommes puree. Peel the potatoes and cut into even-sized dice, then cook for about 12-15 minutes in boiling salted water. Drain well, then return to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat with no liquid added (to dry the potatoes). Mash the potatoes thoroughly or press them through a potato ricer back into the pan - they should be very smooth and lump-free. Don't use a food processor, as it will make the potatoes gluey.
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5
Gradually beat the butter into the potato puree until it starts to look shiny. Heat the milk and cream in a small pan until on the point of boiling, then slowly mix into the potato puree with some salt and freshly ground pepper. Potatoes should be very creamy in consistency.
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6
Serve the boeuf bourguignon over the potato puree.
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7
Excellent with a glass of the same wine used in cooking and with a fresh, crisp salad on the side.
