Season's Greetings~It's January!

   Happy to report the Christmas tree is finally out of the house. I like the custom to a point, but it requires more energy than it is worth. The amount of money, that we paid for the tree, it should have a self-removal feature. The ornaments, I think procreate multiply, making it a challenge to find them all. Before Christmas, I tend to nurture the tree, taking the time to rehang the AWOL ornaments, after Christmas, who cares, let's get it out.

   Winter is in full swing here, and the snow is starting to build up. Shoes and socks perpetually wet, due largely to the ineptitude of wearing appropriate gear. Floors wet and muddy, and a cat that I have to kick let outdoors, because he is driving me insane. He won't lay in his catnip laden bed, but teetering on the edge, of the computer desk seems more comfortable.

    The highlight of January, is the forecast of the next Nor'easter, the topic of most conversations around town. Throughout the day, accumulation totals can fluctuate like the Stock market. The buzz is another one on Wednesday. I can hardly wait to clean my car off, drive with my heart in my throat, and fight the crowds at the supermarkets. Which to me, is ridiculous annoying. It is not like we are pioneering the idea of plowing. If a storm hits on a Tuesday, chances are that with caution, you can get to the market for what you need. I'm just sayin...

    My family's biggest problem is not trying to kill annoy each other, due to the weather. Last year we got a Wii, to expedite the winter. We are a competitive family, and gladly the Wii enhanced that. Not much bowling going on here. Hey nothing is worth doing, unless you overdo it. Gould family motto. Just a bunch of Wii overachievers.

     During the winter, I like to cook one-pot oven meals, that warm the house. My boys love short ribs and usually I rarely have leftovers.

Braised Short Ribs

4 pounds bone-in short ribs
1 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 stick butter
2 cups julienned sweet onions
1/4 cup minced garlic
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp rosemary
1 can of Hunt's diced tomatoes with celery, green pepper and onions
2 32oz containers of beef stock
1 cup marsala wine

In a shallow bowl combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic. Dredge the ribs on all sides in the seasoned flour. In a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan melt butter, brown all ribs. Remove ribs add onions and garlic and deglaze with marsala wine, cooking long enough to pull all the flavor from the sides and bottom. Add the ribs, tomatoes, beef stock, thyme and rosemary. Place in a 325F oven for 2 1/2 hours, or until when stabbed the rib slides right off the knife or fork. Enjoy.

I like these cold, gray winter days. Days like these let you savor a bad mood.~ Bill Watterson