Belgian Beef and Beer Stew

Ingredients

• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 1/4 - 2 1/2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1 1/2 - 2-inch cubes)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (freshly ground pepper)
• 3-4 ounces bacon (optional)
• 3-4 medium-large onions (about 1 1/2 pound, thinly sliced (4 1/2- 5 cups))
• Dash of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil divided (or 6 tablespoons if omitting the bacon)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely diced or mashed)
• 1 bottle brown ale ((11-12 ounces) + more if needed)
• 2 cups beef broth or stock
• 1-2 thick slices of bread (preferably dark brown bread - add a bit of brown sugar to the sauce if your bread has no sweetness to it)
• 1-2 tablespoons mustard (preferably Dijon or coarse brown or a combination)