Lay the beef pieces a few at a time between sheets of parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, pound the meat to tenderize and break up some of the connective tissue. Season the meat pieces with 2 tablespoons of Essence and dredge in the flour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat a large cast iron pan or a 3-quart braising pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot add 2 tablespoons of oil in the pan and brown the floured beef, working in batches and adding more oil as necessary. Do not overcrowd the pan with the meat. Cook the beef for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. As the beef is browned, transfer to a large plate and set aside until you have cooked all of the beef. Add the butter to the pan and, when melted, add the onions, celery, peppers and mushrooms. Cook the vegetables, stirring often, until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute. Pour the red wine to the pan and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to remove any browned bits that may have formed on the bottom.

Add the veal stock, tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, cayenne and black peppers to the pan and bring to a boil. Return the beef to the pan and reduce the heat to a simmer. Place a lid on the pan and place in the oven. Allow the beef to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 2 hours, or until the beef is fork tender. When the beef is tender, remove the pan from the oven and stir the oregano and basil into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with Baked Cheese Grits.

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

Yield: about 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter

4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup quick grits (not instant)

1 egg

1/3 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup grated Gruyere

1/3 cup grated Parmesan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart casserole with 2 tablespoons of butter.

Combine remaining 1/4 cup butter, water, and salt in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. When mixture comes to a simmer, add the grits, stirring until thoroughly combined. Continue to cook the grits at a simmer, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile whisk together egg, cream and pepper. Stir into cooked grits along with cheese. Pour mixture into prepared casserole. Bake until set, about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand about 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: 6 servings