ROASTED-GARLIC BEEF STEW Using such a tender cut of beef reduces the stew's cooking time. 12 large garlic cloves, unpeeled 1 tablespoon butter, melted 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter 1 pound beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 large parsnips, peeled, chopped 2 carrots, peeled, chopped 1 large potato, peeled, chopped 1 rutabaga, peeled, chopped 1 14 1/2-ounce can beef broth 1 cup dry red wine 1 tablespoon dried thyme, crumbled 2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage

Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss garlic with 1 tablespoon melted butter on small baking sheet. Bake until garlic is tender and beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Cool garlic 5 minutes. Peel and set aside.

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in large pot over high heat. Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper; dust with 1 tablespoon flour. Add beef to pot. Sauté until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Transfer beef to bowl. Add vegetables, broth, wine, herbs and roasted garlic to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes.

Return beef and any juices to pot. Mix remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon flour in small bowl. Whisk flour paste into stew. Simmer uncovered until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

4 servings.

[Bon Appetit, November 1997]