Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   5                    shallots -- sliced thin
   2      cloves        garlic -- minced
   2      medium        carrot -- sliced 1/4" thick
     1/3  cup           baked ham -- chopped
   1      slice         orange peel
   1                    bay leaf
   3      lbs           beef chuck roast -- cubed
     1/4  cup           flour
     1/4  Teaspoon      peppercorns -- black -- whole
     1/4  Teaspoon      thyme
     1/8  Teaspoon      cloves -- ground
     1/2  Teaspoon      sage
   2      Tablespoons   balsamic vinegar
     3/4  cup           white wine OR beef broth
     1/4  cup           brandy
   2      Tablespoons   flour
   2      Tablespoons   butter
                        salt
                        parsley -- chopped

Preparation:

In slow cooker, combine shallots, garlic, carrots, ham, orange peel, and bay leaf. Coat beef cubes with flour; add to cooker. Sprinkle with peppercorns, thyme, cloves and sage. Drizzle with vinegar; pour in wine and brandy. Cover; cook LOW until beef is very tender. Remove and discard bay leaf and orange peel then blend in flour and butter (blend together). Increase cooker heat to HIGH, cover and cook, stirring 2-3 times, until sauce is thickened (about 20 min). Season to taste and sprinkle with parsley.

Nutritional Information:

438 Calories; 30g Fat (64% calories from fat); 28g