Monday, May 18, 2015

Country Ribs Braised in Beer

























I'm always seeing country pork ribs at the grocery store. I have bought them before because they look so great but they're usually very dry. Nevertheless, I bought a two pound package and started looking for a recipe. Of course, that's probably not the best way to go because one doesn't always have the needed ingredients on hand. I had enough, though, to dare to try this brilliant recipe from Food Network.

Instead of amber ale, I used Heineken. I cut the recipe in half and substituted some garlic (because we love it) for 1/2 an onion. It calls for hot paprika but we're not hot people, so I used sweet paprika instead. Oh, and the recipe is for bone-in country ribs, and I had boneless country ribs. I suspect it's even better with the bone-in ribs, so if you have a choice, go for that.

At first blush, it seems like there are a lot of annoying steps. It's really not that complicated but Food Network's instructions are very precise, which is actually nice. The resulting sauce is so good I wanted to eat it with a spoon. There may have been some spoon licking that went on . . . ahem.

I'll give you the ingredients as I used them for half the recipe. We had plenty for three normal eaters or four light eaters.


Country Ribs Braised in Beer

2 pounds country ribs (bone-in if possible)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon paprika (hot or sweet)
1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion
4 cloves garlic (optional)
6 ounces amber ale (or Heineken)
6 ounces chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1-2 tablespoons honey

Preheat oven to 425. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Pat ribs dry. Sprinkle with Kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Brown the ribs 8 minutes on each side.

Meanwhile chop onion and mince garlic. Remove ribs from Dutch oven and add onions, along with 1/2 teaspoon paprika and a pinch of salt. Cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping up any meat bits. Add the garlic and stir so it doesn't burn. Pour in the beer and bring to a boil. Cook about 8 minutes, uncovered, until it is reduced by half. Add chicken broth, bay leaf and thyme. When the liquid simmers, return the meat to the pot and place in oven, uncovered. Cook 30 minutes, flip the meat and cook another 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix the honey with the apple cider vinegar. Add to the pot, stir, and return to the oven for another 15 - 20 minutes. Remove meat from pan and skim any fat off the liquid. Bring to a boil, and simmer until thickened. (Note: their instruction says 10-15 minutes but it happened much faster for me - more like 8 minutes.) Remove bay leaf. Return meat to pot to warm it. Serve ribs with sauce.


Sprinkle with salt and paprika.

Mine just fit in the Dutch oven!

Remove meat and cook onions.

Beer!

Hot from the oven.

Amazingly good!



It's countdown time. Only 14 days until the release of THE DIVA STEALS A CHOCOLATE KISS! Starting today, I'll be giving copies away here on Mondays for the next few weeks. 
Leave a comment with your email address to enter!
Good luck!

117 comments:

  1. Classic comfort food. And I'm so excited for the book release! EMS591@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Liz! You should like the recipe - no veggies!

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  2. BBQ season, always a good time for ribs. And a new book release! Thanks for the giveaway.
    sallycootie@gmail.com

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  3. The country ribs look so yummy! I adore your books, and I am looking forward to The Diva Steals A Chocolate Kiss. :)
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. County ribs recipe sounds wonderful as does your new release!!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

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  5. One of my favorite series. I'm going to try this recipe.

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  6. The ribs look great!!! I just bought The Diva Runs Out of Thyme, so I would love to win this amazing book! Thanks for the giveaways!
    magicgirl2357@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. Abby, I hope you like The Diva Runs Out of Thyme!

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  7. I imagine if you get the ribs with bones you either can feed fewer people or need a bit more poundage.
    This does sound really tasty and the ribs wouldn't dare get dry with this treatment.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  8. Now I'm hungry!

    ElaineE246 at msn dot com

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  9. I think I'll go buy some ribs---that sounds like a good recipe. I'd love to win your book. Thanks for the contest.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  10. Look yummy. Always wondered how to cook those!

    Daryl / Avery

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  11. That sounds really good but my son would probably want to use one of his beers that are really strong. It would change the taste, I am sure. Better? Who knows? I'd love to win a copy of your new book. lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Linda, I'm sure a strong amber beer would change the taste slightly. But as you say, it might even be better!

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  12. Absolutely trying this and soon! I will be popular around here. Thanks, Krista, and good luck with the roll out of The Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss! Can't wait.

    XO

    MJ/VA

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  13. A delectable delight. Will make them this summer. Thanks for this feature. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  14. I have read all in this series. Cannot wait for the next one! Hugs! pamelabodine@aol.com

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  15. Thanks for this great recipe. Yum. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. Love your series and this looks like a delicious recipe! Thanks for sharing! kimdavishb@gmail.com

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  17. These country ribs sound wonderful. Love this series and can't wait for the new one to release. poohwine1217@gmail.com

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  18. Recipes and books, two of my favorite things! Cindysnyder83@gmail.com.

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  19. We love ribs, and this sounds like a great new way for us to try them! I'm new to your books, and I'd love to win the new one. Thank you! bunkielisa@gmail.com

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  20. Yum! I need to hire a chef..lol - robin.christofaro@yahoo.com

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  21. We like country ribs in our house too will have to try this. Can't wait for the book. Thanks for recipe and chance to win your book.
    lhxp73@yahoo.com

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  22. We like country ribs in our house too will have to try this. Can't wait for the book. Thanks for recipe and chance to win your book.
    lhxp73@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. We like country ribs in our house too will have to try this. Can't wait for the book. Thanks for recipe and chance to win your book.
    lhxp73@yahoo.com

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  24. I'd love to win this book!

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  25. Needing a Sophie and a chocolate fix! bobandcelia@sbcglobal.net

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  26. We are on a Rib kick here. Have been smoking them with different wood and all are fabulous. I do want to try this recipe since I can make it on a cloudy or rainy day. I am looking forward to The Dive Steals a Chocolate Kiss. I miss Sophie and the gang!

    busymother@gmail.com


    :)

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  27. Thanks for sharing, Krista! I've seen country ribs at the store, too, but like you, wondered how to cook them. I would use garlic instead of onion, too, and would probably substitute smoked paprika for hot. I can't wait to read the next Diva book! all7@9y.com

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  28. I love this series. Thanks for the giveaway. Kuzlin at AOL.com

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  29. Looks like a great summer recipe! And the timing of your book giveaway is great since I'm starting summer break and will have more time for fun reading. (slamling777@gmail.com)

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  30. love country pork and can't wait to try out that recipe. Would love to be the winner of the giveway for a great book here is my email jody.714@hotmail.com

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  31. Would love to win!!
    jawdance@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love this series! maxtonsmamaw@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Really like the series! Thank you for the chance to get a copy!
    katdunn@cox.net

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  34. I love your other series. I've wanted to try this one. Love to win!

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  35. You are my absolute favorite author Krista! Cannot wait for this new installment! Nstolldorf@gmail.com

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  36. The ribs sound good.
    sgiden at verizon(.)net

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  37. Better than a Hershey Kiss, no calories, lasts longer and just as sweet. Can't wait to read it.

    ezrag2@aol.com

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  38. Krista, this looks like a recipe I can actually do! Thank you for the play by play pics. I cant wait to read the new Diva book. It is my favorite series. :) Jean jemi4174@gmail.com

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  39. The country ribs look very good. But so does anything with chocolate: ) Thanks for a chance to win your book colissaladoux@yahoo.com

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  40. I love this series and I can't wait to read the next yummy book!! :)

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  41. Love country ribs any way you fix them. Also love chocolate.

    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

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  42. Love country ribs any way you fix them. Also love chocolate.

    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Looking forward to reading your books. frankiej47@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. The book and ribs both sound yummy! Thanks for the opportunity!
    angelhwk68@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love this series and would be thrilled to win a copy of the book. servedogmom@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Erica Binder-Jennings is having trouble posting. This is her official entry comment.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Fingers crossed this works this time. Thank you for the chance to win

    Dawnsmedlwy69@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Dawn Addison Smedley is having trouble posting. This is her official entry comment.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Yaa! Finally got this to work. The recipe looks mouth watering! I already have to snack while I'm reading the books! Lol!

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  50. This is one of my favorite series, I love all of the characters, I can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the recipe it sounds mouth watering.
    momzillasteel at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Can't wait for this book! Thanks for the giveaway. crossxjo@hotmail.com

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  52. Really looking forward to the book! lkleback@hotmail.com

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  53. looking forward to reading. pwtish171@gmail.com

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  54. I can't wait to try this recipe - I am sure my husband will love it! Love your books too!

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  55. My hubby would love this, he loves ribs and beer. Thanks for the chance to win.
    masoncml3 at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I loved country ribs and this recipe sounds like a winner. Memorial day is coming fast so I think this will be a great recipe to try out. robeader53@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Celeste Gaydos is having trouble posting. This is her official entry comment.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I can't wait to read this new adventure of Sophie and Natasha!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Looks fantastic and I would love to enter this...
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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  60. Thank You! I am really looking forward to reading this! rockergoddess2002@yahoo.com

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  61. Oh my gosh those look awesome . Thanks for a chance. lady.janel@hotmail.com

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  62. Thanks for the giveaway! Those ribs look amazing! One of my favorite series! smmolloy1105@yahoo.com

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  63. These look delicious! This might sound dumb but are they pork or beef ribs? I'm not sure I've ever bought country ribs before.

    Thanks for the chance to win one of your books!

    sbandjz@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Looks very good. Love the cover.

    Thanks for the chance to win.

    ourbutton@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Deanna Maxwell is having trouble posting. This is her official entry comment.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Ruth Nixon is having trouble posting. This is her official entry comment.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Boy, glad I didn't see this before lunch!
    Can't wait for the release date, thanks for the chance to win.
    lizc@mac.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. One of my favorite meals is BBQ spare ribs with a BBQ honey sauce. It's absolutely delicious, but I'm going to make it the next time with your recipe. Thank you for the suggestion and thank you for the chance to win this giveaway. ruthmazur46@gmail.com - Ruth Lyons Mazur

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  69. Oh my these looks really good. We will have to make these this weekend.

    Babsbookbistro @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. This is my favourite cozy series!
    evaleks@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Would live to read this, as I haven't yet read any from this series. Many thanks for the opportunity! jeaniedannheim ( at ) ymail ( dot ) com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Marc and I love to use beer for braising! And with a countdown to Memorial Day, you know fridges are going to be stocked with it, so great timing, Krista, and congrats on an even more important countdown to your new Diva release, woot!

    ~ Cleo

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  73. I love..love the cozy mystery genre! Add food or drink to the mix? PRICELESS. kat8762@aol.com

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  74. My family loves ribs. I can't wait to try these.
    I love cozy mysteries. Thanks for the chance to win.
    MarshaMysteryreader@yahoo.com

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  75. This recipe looks delicious. I make an easy pulled pork recipe in the slow cooker with beer. Looking forward to trying this one. The book looks fun too. Thanks! rencw@verizon.net

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  76. I finally have a dutch oven-so I'll have to try this recipe. It sounds great! Plus you can drink beer while you cook!

    cozyupwithkathy @ gmail dot com

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  77. I would love to read the book. The recipes and tips sound great too! jr_dj_gantt@juno.com

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  78. I've never had dry country-style (as we call them) ribs. We usually roast ours in the oven in BBQ sauce.

    lauraalbert@hotmail.com

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  79. Love this series. Looking forward to reading this one.
    dotkel50@comcast.net

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  80. Trying to get in more pork to replace beef as it keeps going up in cost. Definitely will try this. Sjones1592@gmail.com

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  81. The ribs look great! The Diva series is one of my favorites, and I can't wait until the new book comes out! cking78503@aol.com

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  82. I love this series. It is the rare series, in which I'm buying, for my private collection. The recipe looks yummy.
    Knapp.MP@gmail.com

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  83. Love the cover! And, of course, I'm a huge cozy fan.
    Lisacobblestone@aol.com

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  84. Oh, this looks delicious! I haven't had ribs for a long time - I know what I'll be picking up at the grocery store this week. Thank you for sharing.

    brookeb811 at gmail dot com

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  85. Just in time for summer!
    Skforrest1957@gmail.com

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  86. Love your books and thanks for the ribs recipe. Enjoying this series! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Forgot my email address: mjhopper@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  88. Love this series! Eventually I'll read every book in it! Please keep writing and I'll keep reading.
    bree62@outlook.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. The ribs look DELICIOUS. This series looks like so much fun! nungwa@hotmail.com

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  90. Looks like good cozy mystery.

    xzjh04 Gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. The ribs look great! The book looks good, too.
    ceciliayoung at gmx.com

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  92. Love pork ribs. Have been cooking them for years. Thanks for a chance to win the book.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Might have to try this recipe! Would love to win a copy!! kayt18 at comcast dot net

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  94. Love this series and your creativity with the letters at the beginning of each chapter! Can't wait to read this book. Lilflynracer @ msn.com

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  95. Thanks for the recipe!

    jtcgc at yahoo dot com

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  96. Ribs sound delicious. Beer seems to enhance the flavor of meat.
    Would love to read the book.
    thanks.
    txmlhl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. We love country ribs & will be trying your recipe ASAP! Looking forward to reading the latest in your series, Krista. Thanks.

    lola777_22 at hotmail dot com

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  98. I have been looking forward to this book:) Thank you for the chance to win. Pennymarks@frontier.com

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  99. Congrats on the New release. I really enjoy this series but I think I would rather have chocolate than Pork Ribs.

    gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

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  100. Congrats on your upcoming release. The ribs sound really tasty.
    Thank you for the chance.
    jen.frederick@yahoo.com

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  101. How strange. I know I left a message yesterday.
    I commented on 1-How this should guarantee that the pork stays moist and 2-If you get bone-in pieces, you'd better allow a bit more poundage to feed the same number of people.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

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  102. Congratulations on new release. I LOVE this series!!!!!

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  103. I love free book contests but some are so complicated that I just give up before I finish all the steps. Thank you for making this one so simple. DebraCarmichael@bellsouth.net

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  104. Oh how I love this series! And I'm really anxious to read this one. Congratulations Krista on your newest!
    sxygrndma48{at}yahoo{dot}com

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  105. Congratulations on new release. I LOVE this series!!!!!

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  106. I have read several of your books in this series and have enjoyed them all. I also enjoy the recipes! Keep them both coming. Bonnie (bmalic610@yahoo.com)

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  107. I am so excited for you and the new release. Thank you for the chance to win.

    karolyn.yoakum@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete