Carbonnade (belgian beer stew)

3 Lb Chuck Roast
1 Smoked Ham Hock, (optional)
1/2 Cup Oil
2 1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Lg Onion, thinly sliced
3 Tbsp Flour
Beer
1 Cup Beef Broth
1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
2 Tsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Parsley Flakes
1 Pinch Marjoram
1 Pinch Thyme
1 Clove Garlic, chopped fine
4 Carrots, cut into 1" pieces
3/4 Cup Walnuts, (optional)
2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar or red wine
2 Tbsp Scotch Whiskey

1. Cut beef into 1 x 2 inch strips. Remove ham from bone and cut into cubes. brown beef and ham in oil in large skillet. Lift meat out, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and set aside. Brown onions in same oil. Lift and set aside. Drain and save all but 3 Tbsp oil. Sift flour into oil to make light brown roux. Gradually add 1 1/2 cup beef, stirring until mixture boils.
2. Add broth, rest of salt, pepper, sugar, herbs and garlic. Alternate layers of meat, onions and carrots in large casserole. Add sauce and enough beer to cover meat. Cover and cook in 300 F oven for 2 1/2 hours. Check occassionaly and add beer if needed. Shortly before stew is ready, saute walnuts in reserved oil. It takes only a couple of minutes to get them crisp. Do NOT scorch. Add them to stew. Just before serving, add vinegar and scotch.