Name: Rump of Beef to Stew
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients: 1 boneless rump roast (3 1/2 to 4 pounds); Water as needed; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground mace; 1 teaspoon dried marjoram; 3/4 teaspoon dried savory; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten; 2 cups dry red wine, such as claret or merlot; 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 medium onion, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Peeled boiled new potatoes for serving; Orange slices for garnish

This recipe is adapted from one in The Lady's Companion (1753), a popular cookbook of the time. Mrs. Washington's sister Anna Maria (Nancy) Dandridge Bassett owned a copy that is now in the Mount Vernon library. This is an example of one of many "made dishes," including fricassees, hashes, and ragouts, enjoyed by the gentry from the Elizabethan period onward; these comprised "meat cooked and served in a flavoured sauce." Sauce was considered "an important part of all such dishes."

This stew is best when made a day or so before it is served, giving the flavors time to blend.

Recipe notes

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Salmon With Sizzled Nut Salsa

A savory-hot salsa made with mixed nuts (like the kind dubbed cocktail nuts meant for snacking) gives roast salmon a kaleidoscope of textures and flavors.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.