Still have it in my outbox:
MARINATE
2 lbs boneless beef chuck
2 tsp Chinese 5-spice powder
All-purpose flour to lightly coat meat
1 medium white onion, chopped
1/2 stalk lemongrass, bruised (remove after browning meat)
1 bay leaf (remove after browning meat)
2-inch knob ginger, cut into thin slices
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Fresh cracked black pepper
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
Crushed garlic
BROWN THE MEAT
3 tbsp canola/olive oil
1 tbsp annatto seeds (for coloring oil only. Remove before browning meat)
2 star anise (remove after browning meat)
1 stick of cinnamon (remove after browning meat)
SIMMER THE STEW
Add meat mixture to slow cooker
1 tsp curry powder
3 red potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks
3 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
1 lb carrot, chopped
3 cups chicken, beef, or vegetable broth
1/2 stalk lemongrass, bruised (remove before serving)
SERVE
Thai basil
Cilantro
Hoisin sauce
Sambal Oelek (chili/garlic paste)
Fresh lime juice