Here is a little tidbit I received from Cooks Illustrated Magazine. If you get a chance look on their website, they have tons of recipes and helpful tips.
“Can the way you cut an onion affect its flavor?
I started this stew earlier today, and have been getting more hungry as the day goes on. It is a little chilly here in Michigan today, and Michigan Football is on, both Michigan State and University of Michigan. Red Wings are playing after they are finished so this is a great meal to start and eat when the excitement wear off.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds lean round or stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt to taste
2 large red onions, halved and thinly sliced
1/3 cup olive oil
4-5 potatoes cubed
3-4 carrots cubed
2 teaspoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups beer (preferably dark, but light or nonalcoholic
beer is fine too)
1 cup beef stock
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
2 cloves of garlic minced