Cut the bacon slices into small pieces. Brown the bacon in a large flameproof pan and transfer to the stew pot.
While the bacon is browning, trim the meat and dice it into neat cubes. Fry the meat in the pan and season with salt and pepper. Allow the meat to colour throughout, then pour the cognac into the pan and flame it (be careful and follow the safety instructions to do it right).
When the flames have died down, flour the pieces of meat slightly and transfer to the pan. Wash the pan with red wine and add the liquid in to the pot. Crush the garlic cloves with a knife blade and transfer to the pot with their skins on. Also add the thymes to the stew and a little sugar.
Pour in the remaining red wine and stock so that the meat is well covered. Allow the Beef Bourguignon to simmer (lid covered) in the 125C oven for 2 hours.
In the meantime, work on the vegetables, i.e. peel the onions, leaving the stem as intact as possible. Peel and slice the carrots.
After simmering for a two hours the carrots go into to the pot. Half an hour more of simmering and then add the onions and mushrooms. Check how the flavour is developing and add some more seasoning if needed. Meat stews need to have salt in them.
When the mushrooms are brown and shriveled, the Beef Bourguignon is ready for the table and a wonderful dinner can begin!