Braised Beef without peas

1 cup beef chuck steak cubed * 1 1/2 cups water 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 dash black pepper * 1 each bay leaf * 1 small onion coarsely chopped 2/3 cup celery diced[...]

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/4 pounds beef, round steak bottom, trimmed of fat and membrane 1/2 cup brandy * 2 cups beef stock defatted, prefer veal stock if[...]

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/4 pounds beef, round steak 1/2 cup brandy * 2 cups beef stock prefer veal stock if possible 2 tablespoons prepared mustard[...]

3 pounds beef chuck steak lean 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons garlic minced 1/2 pound onions cut into 1-in. cubes 1/2 pound mushrooms quartered 1/4 cup[...]

3 tablespoons olive oil 1 each bay leaf * 2 tablespoons garlic minced 1 cup red wine dry * 1/2 teaspoons thyme *[...]