Guiness and Bell's Beer Braised Short Ribs

Happy St. Patrick's Day all. I hope you find good craic around every corner today. My man loves a good shortrib and Eddie's meat counter had a great selection. This was my recipe inspiration. I changed it a bit to suit our tastes and our small family. This recipe makes extra sauce for mashed potatoes. Reserve a few fennel fronds to make it fancy.

We used Guinness and Bell's Beer instead of red wine and water.

I actually added a whole bulb of fennel to the vegetable puree as well. My mother loaths fennel. We can not get enough of it.

Let your short ribs come to room temperature. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Sear in olive oil after seasoning them well with salt and pepper until they form a nice crust.

Remove and let rest.

Add your vegetable blend to the dutch oven with another light swirl of olive oil removing brown bits from the pan.

Add half a can of tomato paste.

Being a good Michigander, I brought back Bell's Batch 10,000 after Christmas with E. It was so rich we have had it tucked in the back of the fridge for just such a culinary adventure as braised short ribs. It was PERFECT. The Guiness left the flavor a bit tinny. I wouldn't use beer that has been in a can. I have a sensitive palate but there was something funky about the beer can taste.

We served Bell's Oberon at our wedding. If you are from Kalamazoo, you understand.

Add the meat back into the pot. Preset oven to 375.

Add the beer and make sure you cover the meat in the pot. I did not use any water or wine. The beer is perfect alone. Add a few bay leaves as well. I didn't use thyme. I also cooked it only for two hours vs. three since I only had three little ribs.

I took three large paper towels to sop up the fat that floated to the top. It is a great trick to make it less fatty. Or you could put in the fridge overnight, let cool and remove all the fat easily the next day. The smell is heavenly however, and I don't think you'll be able to wait until the next day. I served this over mashed potatoes. You must purchase a food mill for perfect mashed potatoes. It makes such a difference. Pair with Guiness. Better to drink with than cook with in this instance. My family took the most incredible vacation with 25 of us in 1997. We got to visit the Guiness factory. Do you know that Guiness was a brilliant mistake. They burned the hops by accident! Tada! You never know what your next mistake could bring.

An Irish Blessing to you on St. Patrick's Day. To all of my fellow youth ministers from Kanuga...you know it in song:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.