Beef and White Wine Daube

Soak the anchovies in the milk for 10 minutes to soften and remove excess salt. Soak the capers in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess salt.

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, onions, garlic and cornichons. Drain and rinse the anchovies and capers and add to the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon sea salt and toss with a wooden spoon to blend, lightly breaking up the tomatoes.

In a large nonreactive saucepan, simmer the wine to cook off the alcohol, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, spread about one-third of the tomato mixture in a large, heavy, nonreactive flameproof casserole. Add the bay leaf and thyme sprig and set 2 pieces of beef on top. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining tomato mixture and beef to make 2 more layers. Pour in the simmered wine.

Cover and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer gently until the meat is very tender, about 4 hours. Check the daube from time to time, stirring the ingredients and distributing them well to keep the meat submerged; do not let the mixture boil. Discard the bay leaf and thyme. Serve with the Cheesy Semolina with Bay Leaf.