Beer Short Ribs (Todd W. Braisted)

5-6 pounds beef short ribs
One six-pack beer
Bottle of barbeque sauce of your choice
Salt
Pepper

Beef short ribs never taste better than when they are boiled in beer! This recipe takes a little while, but is quite easy and sure to please during parties, barbeques or an important Mets game.

When choosing the short ribs, go for the meatiest, choicest kind. They will cost more, but are well worth it. Place the ribs in a large pot and cover with beer. A six pack should be sufficient but keep more on hand as 1) the beer evaporates and additional may have to added and 2) cooking is hot work, so you will need refreshment.

For this recipe I used a six of Smuttynose Porter, but most robust beers should suffice. Add a few dashes of salt and pepper. It will have no influence over the taste, but do you really trust a recipe that does not include salt and pepper?

When the beer comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. You will need to keep an eye on the pot when it comes to a boil, as it can spill over if the heat is too high and the liquid too close to the top. Beer is never to be wasted! Simmer 11/2-2 hours or until tender. The meatier the ribs, the longer the cooking time.

After the ribs are removed from the beer, slather with your favorite barbeque sauce. You can make your own, but I've found this only takes away from valuable beer-drinking time. A good bottled variety is fine for our purposes. The ribs may now either be placed on a barbeque grill or under the broiler. I rather like the latter actually, and it is quicker. If under the broiler, only let broil for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning once, until crisped. On a grill, depending on the variety, this may take as much as 15 minutes, and you will need to turn several times.

Serve with whatever you like, although you can never go wrong with a nice cucumber salad or coleslaw. The beer to accompany the ribs is usually a lager, pilsner, IPA or good ale. I enjoy a Fuller's London Pride and Victory Prima Pils; perhaps even a Newcastle Brown or an Abbott Ale. Experiment several times and enjoy!

Serves 4-6.