Freda’s Honey and Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Wrap peppercorns, chilies, and bay leaves with cheesecloth, tie with kitchen twine and reserve.

Sprinkle short ribs on both sides with salt and pepper.

In a large, heavy skillet, heat oil over high heat until very hot but not smoking. Sear ribs until browned on both sides, about 6-7 minutes total. Remove ribs to a plate to cool, then arrange in one layer in a large, heavy roasting pan.

To the same skillet add onions, garlic, carrots and celery and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Add tomato paste, stir to incorporate and cook an additional 5 minutes. Add wine, and bundled spices and bring to a boil. Cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Add beef stock and honey, return to a boil and cook an additional 10-15 minutes, until liquid is reduced by about 3 inches.

Pour liquid over ribs, seal tightly with aluminum foil and bake until ribs are fork-tender, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Remove roasting pan from oven, uncover, and remove meat to a platter to cool. While meat is cooling, strain braising liquid from solids over a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing down on solids to release all liquid. Discard solids.

Return liquid to a small saucepan, skin fat from top and bring to a boil; boil until liquid is reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Separate meat from bones and fat and arrange on a platter. Serve with warm gravy over mashed potatoes or parsnip puree.