Wine-Free Beef Bourguignon

Ingredients

• 3 cups of beef broth
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar (for a touch of acidity)
• 2 onions (finely sliced)
• 2 crisp carrots (diced)
• 2 tablespoons of quality brandy (optional)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 10 whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 fresh parsley sprig
• 1 aromatic bay leaf
• 2 pounds of beef chuck (cut into cubes)
• 4 tablespoons of virgin olive oil
• 1/4 pound of diced bacon
• 3 tablespoons of fine all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of rich tomato concentrate
• 1 can (10 1/2 ounce of beef stock)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper (as desired)
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 pound of fresh mushrooms (thinly sliced)