Step 1

Prepare the beef cheeks: cut off any large, fatty membrane. Pat dry then use 1 tsp of salt and black pepper to season the beef all over.

Step 2

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy based pot over high heat. Sear half the beef cheeks on each side until nicely browned. Remove beef cheeks onto a plate, repeat with remaining cheeks.

Step 3

Turn down the heat to medium high and heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add garlic and onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until onion is becoming translucent.

Step 4

Add the celery and carrot,s sauté for a further 3 minutes.

Step 5

Follow directions for your chosen cooking method below.

Step 6

Pour the onion mixture into the slow cooker and place the beef cheeks on top.

Step 7

Pour the wine into the pot and return to heat. Turn the heat up to high, bring to simmer and let it simmer for 1 minute (to cook out the wine a bit). Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan so it mixes in with the wine.

Step 8

Pour the wine into the slow cooker, then all the remaining ingredients, starting with a pinch of salt and pepper (add more to taste later).

Step 9

Cook in the slow cooker on Low for 8 hours or High for 6 hours for 250g/8oz size beef cheeks or Low for 10 - 12 hours or High for 8 hours for 350g/12oz beef cheeks.

Step 10

Open the slow cooker and remove the beef cheeks. Discard the thyme stems and bay leaves.

Step 11

Use a handheld stick blender to puree the braising liquid into a smooth Sauce - it will change from a dark brown to a lighter brown colour.

Step 12

Transfer liquid into saucepan, simmer on stove on medium high until the Sauce turns a darker brown colour and reduces by about 1/4 to 1/3, to a gravy consistency - about 10 minutes.

Step 13

Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) to your taste.

Step 14

Remove from heat, return beef cheeks to the Sauce, cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 15

Follow the Slow Cooker directions but cook on high in your pressure cooker for 1 hour on high for small cheeks (around 250g/8oz each).

Step 16

Pour the wine into the pot / casserole dish (with the onion mixture) and stir to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pot. Bring wine to simmer for 1 minute.

Step 17

Add remaining ingredients, starting with a pinch of salt and pepper (add more to taste later), the place lid on.

Step 18

Stove: Simmer on medium low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the cheeks are very tender, turn at least once during cooking.

Step 19

Oven: 160C/320F for 3 to 3 1/2 hours .

Step 20

Remove the beef cheeks from sauce. Discard the thyme stems and bay leaves.

Step 21

Use a handheld stick blender to puree the braising liquid into a smooth Sauce - it will change from a dark brown to a lighter brown colour.

Step 22

Bring the Sauce to simmer over medium heat and simmer until it turns a darker brown colour and reduces by about 1/4 to 1/3, to a gravy consistency - about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 23

Do a taste test and adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) to your taste.

Step 24

Remove from heat, return beef cheeks to the Sauce, cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 25

Serve beef cheeks on Paris Mash (ultimate creamy mashed potato!) or Creamy Mashed Cauliflower, drizzled with a generous amount of Sauce. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired.