Braised Domestic Lamb Shank in Guinness Stout

Ingredients

 * To taste Ground Fennel Seed
 * To taste Dried Thyme
 * To taste Course Ground Pepper
 * To taste Kosher Salt
 * Flour (enough to coat lamb shanks)
 * 4 Domestic Lamb Shanks
 * Vegetable Oil
 * 4 oz Slab Bacon, medium slice
 * 4 Large Yellow Onions, julienned
 * 1 Large Bulb of Fennel, julienned
 * 3 12 oz. Bottles of Guiness
 * 2 c Beef Stock
 * Bouquet of Garni of Fresh Thyme
 * 2 Bay Leaves

Directions

 * 1) Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
 * 2) Season flour with ground fennel seed, dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste.
 * 3) Dredge lamb shanks in seasoned flour, pat off excess.
 * 4) Brown lamb shanks in large sauté pan with vegetable oil.
 * 5) Reserve lamb shanks.
 * 6) In a medium sauce pan, brown diced bacon.
 * 7) Add onions and fennel, then cook until translucent and softened.
 * 8) Add Guiness beef stock and bouquet of thyme and bay leaves.
 * 9) Bring to a boil.
 * 10) In a dutch oven, place lamb shanks and sauce.
 * 11) Cover and cook in oven for 4 hours.
 * 12) When done, remove lamb shanks, then reduce residual braising liquid until thickened.