3 lbs. beef, placed in deep bowl

MARINADE:

2 c. vinegar
2 c. water
1/2 c. sliced onions
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. peppercorns
1/2 c. sugar

Mix all ingredients for marinade in saucepan, heat but do not boil. Pour hot marinade over meat; it should be at least 1/2 covered. Cover and refrigerate 1 day to 4 days, turning occasionally; the longer the better. When ready to cook, drain (saving marinade). Brown meat on all sides. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 3 to 4 hours (or simmer on top of stove), using marinade as stock. When tender, sprinkle with 1/4 cup brown sugar and cook 5 to 10 minutes longer. Remove meat from pot and thicken gravy as desired.