Oxtail Stew

Trim any excess fat from the oxtail pieces. Combine the oxtail with the brandy and lime juice in a large bowl and marinate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the oxtail from the marinade, rub all over with the oil and season with salt and pepper. In a large heavy-bottomed pan, cook the oxtail in the oven, uncovered, until brown, about 30 minutes. Add the red wine and cook uncovered for 15 minutes more.

Combine the beef broth, tomato paste, garlic powder, herbes de Provence, Italian seasoning, paprika, lemon pepper, cumin, garlic pepper, nutmeg and sage in a bowl. Add to the oxtail and mix well. Cover and cook until the meat is almost tender, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Add the celery, carrots and potatoes and cook until the meat is fully tender and the vegetables are done, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and skim any excess fat from the top using a flat wide-bottomed spoon.

Combine the cornstarch with 1 cup cold water in a small bowl, stirring until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Stir the cornstarch into the stew and cook until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve.