John's Recipe for Beef Bourguignon (Boeuf Bourguignon)

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
• 2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups red Burgundy or other dry red wine
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 to 4 cups beef stock (salted or unsalted, your preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 8 ounces mushrooms sliced (I like to use Crimini)
• 4 medium onions sliced
• 2 -3 tablespoons butter