Praise the Lord!

The shortribs were amazing, and worth every ounce of sweat, every minute checking them in the oven, and even the carpel tunnel I feel in my stirring hand. The sauce was amazing....a thick reduced sauce of tomato, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, bay, and lots of good red wine. The meat was moist, tender, and just fell off the bone. After cleaning my plate, I felt that warm fuzzy full and relaxed Thanksgiving day feeling sweep over me. Gotta take a few days off from serious cooking to recover (and to eat the leftovers).

First attempt at shortribs

Today is a big day- I'm making braised shortribs ( a recipe from Anne Burrell on the Food Network) for the first time. For me, they're pretty involved: processing veggies into a paste, browning the short ribs, adding tomato paste and wine, cooking some more, covering with water, and baking (with some occasional turning and attention) for 3 hours. Given my schedule with the kids, this is going to take some serious logistical planning, some serious prep in the morning, and staying home all afternoon to tend to the cauldron of meat (oh, and also keeping the kids from breaking things or hurting one another while I do this). How can it be that a cooking endeavor like this one takes so much time, stamina, planning? This better be good...

These are a few of my favorite things....

Okay, as many of you may know, I absolutely love Paula Deen. I have yet to meet a recipe of hers that I didn't love, and making her food helps me feel connected to my southern roots; my love of butter, sugar, and sour cream; and my belief that its not worth baking unless its a bit indulgent. Anyway, a while back I mixed up some of her "Lady and Sons House Seasoning" and it has become one of my favorite go-to's. Its perfect when you want to spice something up. I've used it on sweet potato fries, frozen green beans, and even sprinkled it on buttered naan the other night when we were eating Indian food. If you're feeling commitment-phobic, you can always mix up a half batch.

The Lady and Sons The Lady's House Seasoning

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix well and store in a shaker or jar.