Alsatian Meat Stew

Combine first 7 ingredients in a large nonreactive bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in wine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Strain meat and vegetable mixture, reserving marinade. Butter a heavy large fait-tout casserole. Arrange 1/3 of potatoes over bottom. Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with 1/2 meat and vegetable mixture. Continue layering potatoes and meat mixture, ending with potatoes. Pour marinade over; sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to oven and bake until meat is tender, about 3 1/2 hours.

Discard bouquet garni. Transport dish to table and serve.

NOTE: For the bouquet garni, tie 1 bunch parsley stems, 3 imported bay leaves, 2 green leek leaves, 4 whole cloves, 12 sprigs fresh thyme and 6 allspice berries in cheesecloth.