Beef cheeks with dates and stout

Ingredients

4	Beef cheeks (Main)
8	Fresh dates, stones removed
8	Shallots
1 Tbsp	Butter
1 Tbsp	Brown sugar
3 cloves	Garlic, crushed
2	Bay leaves
3 tsp	Capers
1 Ltr	Beef stock
2 cups	Stout, 500ml
2 Tbsp	Balsamic vinegar, good quality
¼ cup	Parsley, finely chopped, plus extra to garnish

Directions

1. If using a slow cooker set it to low or preheat the oven to 150C.
2. Trim the beef so there is not too much fat visible, although a little is needed for flavour. Then put into the dish with the chopped dates.
3. Peel the shallots, keep whole and add with the remaining ingredients.
4. Cover and cook for 9 hours in the slow cooker or 6 hours in the oven. Garnish with parsley before serving with mash or rice.