One tablespoonful of butter, 2 sliced onions, 12 whole cloves, allspice, 1/2 teaspoonful salt, 1/4 teaspoonful of black pepper, 1 pt. of cold water, 2 or 3 lbs. of tender beef, a little flour, a few sprigs of sweet basil.

In a stewpan place a large tablespoonful of butter, in which fry until quite brown two sliced onions, adding, while cooking, 12 whole cloves; ditto allspice; 1/2 teaspoonful of salt, and half that quantity of black pepper; take from the fire, pour 1 pt. of cold water, wherein lay 2 or 3 lbs. of tender lean beef cut in small, thick pieces; cover closely, and let all stew gently 2 hours, adding, just before serving, a little flour thickening. A few sprigs of sweet basil is an improvement.