Gourmet meal in minutes: Short ribs



Growing up we always had one last holiday celebration with a big meal on New Year's day.  Normally my mom would make another turkey meal, or big ham, or roast beef.  It was always delicious.

I wanted to continue the tradition with Jordan so I decided to make something special. I am not a big roast person.  I had to come up with something else.  I had seen a slow cooker recipe for short ribs some time back in an Everyday Food magazine.  I have wanted to make short ribs for a long time; it is one of my favorite get in a restaurant meals since I don't make them at home.  Anything red meat is a winner with Jordan so off I went to find  me some short ribs. 

Slow Cooker Short Ribs Ragu

From Everyday Foods

Ingredients:

2 tsp veggie oil

3 lbs boneless short ribs ( I used bone in)

course salt and ground pepper

1 medium onion, diced small

1 large carrot, diced small

1 can whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz)

2 springs oregano or rosemary

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over med-high heat.  Season short ribs with salt and pepper.  In batches, cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.

2. Transfer ribs to 6-quart slow cooker.  Pour off all but 1 tsp of fat from skillet and add onions and carrot.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 3 minutes.

3. Add 1/2 c of juice from canned tomatoes.  Scrap down pans of all browned bits and transfer to slow cooker.

4. Add tomatoes, breaking them up as you put into slow cooker.  Add herbs.

5. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours. Meat should be fork tender.

6. Remove all bones from slow cooker.  Take out meat pieces and shred meat.

7. Serve immediately or let cool in liquid and reheat on medium heat before serving. 

Serve this over toasted bread, pasta, or polenta.  It will keep tightly covered in the refrigeratoror for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.  I originally planned to have it over some whole wheat egg noodles.  However, about 30 minutes before dinner I started crazing good bread.  Jordan immediately concurred with this thought the second I brought it up and off we went to store to find a baguette. 

Served with a Caesar salad and a good bottle of wine and I would say we had the perfect New Year's day special meal.  The great part was that it was super easy since it was slow cooker made.

Christmas bounty

Where did the vacation go?  Where did the weekend go?  I cannot believe it is Sunday evening already.  I really do not want to think about going to work tomorrow.  It has been so nice to be home and relaxing with Jordan.  We watched plenty of movies and ate more than plenty of food.  It was a great time. 

I figure it was time to put away the Christmas cards.  I had a great time looking at all of the wonderful pictures and reading the fun notes.  I sadly am still writing some of them; I promise to mail them but Tuesday morning. 

Part of the weekend was spent putting away and playing with the fun and excited Christmas presents.  We got so much this year. It was crazy how generous and thoughtful all of our friends and family were.  So much so I feel a bit guilty and have already packed two bags for Goodwill.

We got plenty of good gifts, lots of coffee, nuts, and spreads.  We got clothes and socks and lots of technical gadgets that I am still trying to figure out.  I got my Nook and cannot wait to take it on my first travel trip! 

For now though, it is time to say Thanks and do some laundry for the work week. 

Resolutions

Its New Year's day.  Jordan and I decided for the second year in a row that we would rather stay in than go out.  Who are we kidding we never make it till midnight anyway.  We opted for Chinese take, a rather sad movie, and some fake champagne.

I opted for MUMM Napa Valley.  Being from California it is not technically champagne but we enjoyed it.  We also enjoyed the price tag.  Note to self: Do NOT buy champagne shopping New Year's Eve day - they are expensive!

Being the first of January and all it it seems only fitting to write about some resolutions for the coming year.  I am not big on resolutions; I prefer goals.  Now my mind is constantly running on things I want to accomplish, mini goals shall we say.  This year, however, something has been nagging at me to have a more sense of purpose.  I am going to give a few resolutions a try.

I read an article recently on the top ten most common resolutions.

1. Lose weight

2. Stay in touch

3. Quit smoking

4. Save money

5. Cut stress

6. Volunteer

7. Go back to school

8. Cut back on alcohol

9. Get more sleep

10. Travel

Some of these are just not necessary for me - I don't smoke and don't drink that much alcohol.  I also find it odd that getting organized is not one listed.  Doesn't everyone wish to be organized?

My resolutions are a bit more simple.

~ I will go to California this year.  Jordan and I are working on the details to a San Fran trip in late spring.

~ I am going to amp up my running again and be more consistent with weight lifting.

~ I am going to take an art class.

~ I am going to write at least on of my friends once a month.  Who does love a good ole fashion letter?

I am still ironing out the mini goals to make all of this possible but I know they will be successful! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!