Inspired by Baltimore's own Sour Beef & Dumplings and Northern France's Carbonade Flamande aux Spéculoos, this beef stew uses gingersnap cookies for both flavor and body.
Place all of the ingredients of GROUP ONE in a non-reactive container (or large ziplock bag) and marinate overnight. Now is a good time to make the gingersnaps if you are using homemade.
THE NEXT DAY:
Add the potatoes to a 4-quart slow cooker. Add the marinated meat mixture. Top with gingersnaps. Cook on low 7 hours. Remove the bay leaves. Stir once during the day (if possible) and prior to serving.