Slow Cooker German Style Pot Roast

Ingredients

    * 1  2 1/2 to 3-pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
    * 1  tablespoon cooking oil
    * 2  cups sliced carrots (2)
    * 2  cups chopped onions (2 large)
    * 1  cup sliced celery (2 ribs)
    * 3/4 cup chopped kosher style dill pickles
    * 1/2 cup dry red wine or beef broth
    * 1/3 cup German-style mustard
    * 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    * 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
    * 2 bay leaves
    * 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
    * 2 tablespoons dry red wine or beef broth
    *   Hot cooked noodles
    *   Snipped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Trim fat from meat. If necessary, cut roast to fit into a 3-1/2 or 4-quart slow cooker. In a large skillet brown the meat on all sides in hot oil. Drain fat.

2. In the cooker, combine the carrots, onions, celery, and pickles. Place the meat on top of vegetables. In a small bowl combine the 1/2 cup red wine, the mustard, pepper, cloves, and bay leaves. Pour over meat and vegetables in cooker.

3. Cover and cook on LOW heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours. Remove the meat from the cooker and place on a serving platter; cover with foil to keep warm.

4. For gravy: Transfer vegetables and cooking liquid to a 2-quart saucepan. Skim fat. Discard bay leaves. In a small bowl, stir together flour and the 2 tablespoons wine. Stir into the mixture in saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Serve with vegetables, gravy, and hot cooked noodles If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

 Makes 8 servings.