Braised Short Ribs, Noodles Almondine, Spinach Salad with Mustard Dressing

I had guests from out of town recently, and we had a wonderful dinner on the terrace at the Mansion hotel. Their braised short ribs are served on a bed of mac 'n' cheese (Parmesan cheese, with chunks of ham) with a side of kale, and it was delicious. So I was inspired to try cooking short ribs myself -- this is my first attempt. Although this recipe is for a slow cooker, you can use a covered casserole in a very low oven instead. I tried to lighten it up a little -- the cheesy pasta and sauteed kale, while delicious, made for a pretty heavy meal. I think adding crushed toasted almonds to the noodles gives a little crunch which is nice, since the meat is so tender and buttery. And the spinach salad with mustard dressing provides a tart contrast to the richness of the meat and noodles. You can serve the beef on top of the noodles, or have the noodles on the side. Drizzle a little gravy on them both.

Braised Short Ribs

1 pound beef short ribs, cut up
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/6 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup flour
1 tablespoon oil
1 onion, sliced
1 cup beef broth
1/6 teaspoon whole allspice
1 bay leaf

Mix together salt, pepper, and flour. Coat the ribs and brown well in hot oil in a skillet.
Put ribs in slow cooker and add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours, or High for 4-6 hours. Remove meat and discard bay leaf and allspice. Thicken gravy on the stove.

Noodles Almondine

1 cup noodles (I used fettuccini)
3 quarts boiling water
melted butter
1/2 cup blanched chopped almonds

Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain, then place  back in the pot and moisten with melted butter. Sautee the chopped almonds briefly in butter and add to noodles.

Spinach Salad with Mustard Dressing

1/2 pound fresh spinach
1 teaspoon Dijon or German mustard
1 teaspoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Trim spinach, wash, dry and chill.
Combine remaining ingredients and stir vigorously with a whisk. Add to spinach and toss.