"This recipe was easy to follow, and the result was outstanding. I too took some liberty - added sliced mushrooms, 1/2 tablepoon ea. sage, oregano and basil w/1/4 teaspoon of allspice. I too cooked the onion first, removed it and then browned the beef followed by deglazing of the pan with a cup of merlot. For the rest of the liquid, I used 48 oz. beef broth, 2 cups water w/2 beef bullion cubes & 2nd cup of merlot. Also added a cup of the juice from the canned tomatoes. Of course, it required some tightening with cornstarch in the last few minutes, as others suggested; but the gravy was amazing in taste, color and consistency. Couldn't have been happier with result & everyone truly enjoyed it.

"This recipe was easy to follow, and the result was outstanding. I too took some liberty - added sliced mushrooms, 1/2 tablepoon ea. sage, oregano and basil w/1/4 teaspoon of allspice. I too cooked the onion first, removed it and then browned the beef followed by deglazing of the pan with a cup of merlot. For the rest of the liquid, I used 48 oz. beef broth, 2 cups water w/2 beef bullion cubes & 2nd cup of merlot. Also added a cup of the juice from the canned tomatoes. Of course, it required some tightening with cornstarch in the last few minutes, as others suggested; but the gravy was amazing in taste, color and consistency. Couldn't have been happier with result & everyone truly enjoyed it.